Self-portrait wearing a soft cap: full face, head only after 1634

This is a small etching portraying a self-portrait with soft cap, head only. The artist is anonymous, but the signature on the artwork suggests that it was probably created by Rembrandt. The 17th century, particularly in the Dutch Golden Age, saw a surge in self-portraiture, reflecting a growing interest in individualism and self-expression. Rembrandt van Rijn was one of the masters of self-portraits and produced them throughout his career. What is compelling here is the softness of the image. Instead of a grand depiction, Rembrandt represents himself in a very accessible, and almost casual light. Beyond the surface, the artwork gives access to broader questions about identity, self-construction, and the role of the artist in society. In this way, the etching captures the spirit of an era marked by social and cultural shifts, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of self-representation, and to appreciate the emotional and personal dimensions of the artwork.