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Lot Essay
The twenty-four year-old Rembrandt stands confidently, his piercing gaze looking out assuredly towards the viewer. Hinterding describes this as Rembrandt’s 'first etched self-portrait proper' (Hinterding et al., Rembrandt the Printmaker, p. 108), considering the earlier self-portraits more as 'tronies' or character studies. It was common for early-career artists to use themselves and close family members as models, and Rembrandt depicted himself more often than any other printmaker. His early self-portraits are fascinating, not just for their portrayal of the young artist as he saw himself, but also as examples of Rembrandt’s technical experimentation and innovation that is evident right from the beginning.
Here, Rembrandt portrays himself as a successful young man, wrapped in expensive clothing and in a posture of status and confidence, a reflection of his growing success during the period he moved from Leiden to Amsterdam. Hinterding notes that Rembrandt may have been inspired by a self-portrait by Peter Paul Rubens, which was reproduced as an engraving by Paulus Pontius in 1630. There are certainly similarities in the pose and luxurious garments, as well as the commanding gaze of both artists. Rembrandt’s carefully constructed self-image reveals a conscious effort to appeal to affluent patrons, while showcasing his skill as a portraitist and his ability to render delicate textures.
The print exists in no less than fifteen states, most of which are trial proofs, providing a rare insight into his working process at the time. From refining small details of the face in the first six states to the addition and reworking of the cloak and lace ruff for the following five states, before the addition and then removal of the background, these states offer glimpses into his meticulous pursuit of tonal balance and technical mastery of the medium. Considerable risk was involved in making so many revisions to the plate, as the plate could have been damaged by the acid during the re-biting process - a problem Rembrandt encountered with other subjects around this time. Hinterding notes that the present final state, with the background removed by burnishing, may possibly not have been done by the artist himself, although the portrait itself remains unchanged and as the artist intended.
The Self-Portrait in a soft Hat and embroidered Cloak is a great rarity - no impressions have appeared at auction within the past twenty years.
Here, Rembrandt portrays himself as a successful young man, wrapped in expensive clothing and in a posture of status and confidence, a reflection of his growing success during the period he moved from Leiden to Amsterdam. Hinterding notes that Rembrandt may have been inspired by a self-portrait by Peter Paul Rubens, which was reproduced as an engraving by Paulus Pontius in 1630. There are certainly similarities in the pose and luxurious garments, as well as the commanding gaze of both artists. Rembrandt’s carefully constructed self-image reveals a conscious effort to appeal to affluent patrons, while showcasing his skill as a portraitist and his ability to render delicate textures.
The print exists in no less than fifteen states, most of which are trial proofs, providing a rare insight into his working process at the time. From refining small details of the face in the first six states to the addition and reworking of the cloak and lace ruff for the following five states, before the addition and then removal of the background, these states offer glimpses into his meticulous pursuit of tonal balance and technical mastery of the medium. Considerable risk was involved in making so many revisions to the plate, as the plate could have been damaged by the acid during the re-biting process - a problem Rembrandt encountered with other subjects around this time. Hinterding notes that the present final state, with the background removed by burnishing, may possibly not have been done by the artist himself, although the portrait itself remains unchanged and as the artist intended.
The Self-Portrait in a soft Hat and embroidered Cloak is a great rarity - no impressions have appeared at auction within the past twenty years.