Self-Portrait

Rembrandt was born on this day in 1606 - this means 410 years ago! He is generally considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art; and, the most important in Dutch history. His contributions to art came in a period of great wealth and cultural achievement that historians call the Dutch Golden Age. Dutch Golden Age painting, although in many ways antithetical to the Baroque style that dominated Europe, was extremely prolific and innovative, and gave rise to important new genres in painting. 

Having achieved youthful success as a portrait painter, Rembrandt's later years were marked by personal tragedy (death of his children and wife Saskia) and financial hardship. 

His self-portraits form a unique and intimate biography in which the artist surveyed himself without vanity and with the utmost sincerity. In today's extraordinary self-portrait, Rembrandt’s direct gaze arrests our attention. The effects of time and experience are written on his face where he explored the subtle colouring and textures of ageing skin with startling objectivity.

The artist left more than eighty paintings, etchings and drawings of himself that record his appearance throughout his career and reflect something of his changing fortunes. No artist has left a loftier or more penetrating personal testament than Rembrandt van Rijn. These works also confirm his remarkable creative energy even amidst personal crisis.