Self-Portrait Etching at a Window

1648
Not on view
Rembrandt van Rijn

Dutch, 1606–1669

Self-Portrait Drawing at a Window, 1648

Etching, drypoint, and burin

The Sylmaris Collection, Gift of George Coe Graves, 1920 (20.46.12)

In this iconic image, Rembrandt presented himself, at the age of forty-two, not as an ideal but in a matter-of-fact way, as an artist at work, interrupted with etching needle or pen in hand. The captivating honesty of his direct gaze draws the viewer into the tranquil and dim space.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Self-Portrait Etching at a Window
  • Artist: Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) (Dutch, Leiden 1606–1669 Amsterdam)
  • Date: 1648
  • Medium: Etching, drypoint, and burin; fourth of nine states
  • Dimensions: Plate: 6 1/8 x 5 1/16 in. (15.5 x 12.9 cm)
    Sheet: 6 7/16 in. (16.3 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Sylmaris Collection, Gift of George Coe Graves, 1920
  • Object Number: 20.46.12
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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