3-016-144 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Self-portrait in a cap and scarf with the face dark: bust, 1633. To some extent this work reflects Rembrandt's status, showing him wearing a cap and scarf, facing one way but looking in the other. It is a fine example of Rembrandt's interest in chiaroscuro etching - with detailed passages coupled with extreme bare space. Areas like the left shoulder, cheek bone and right pupil demonstrate areas of bare 'highlight' etching. These sections are in brilliant contrast to the diligently detailed areas of Rembrandt's hair, lower torso and face. Thus his self-portraits were a means for Rembrandt to explore his experimental technique, indulge his curious nature and reveal his personality.