Etching on paper
2 ⅛ x 1 ¾ inches unframed (5.4102 x 4.445 cm)
14 ⅛ x 12 ½ inches framed (35.8902 x 31.75 cm)

Rembrandt van Rijn is one of the most celebrated Dutch painters of all time, and rose to prominence in the 17th century for his characteristic use of light and contrast to convey emotion and mood. Much of his artistic practice consisted of history paintings, portraits, and self-portraits, with his rich oil paintings inspiring artists through the centuries. Rembrandt himself once said, “Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses.” Correspondingly, his etchings have become incredibly sought after for their dynamism and realism.

This rare original etching self-portrait was most likely a practical exercise in the medium. Rembrandt's signature cross-hatching technique is well exhibited in his definition of the wrinkles of his face and the texture of his clothes. In such a work, Rembrandt attends not to an idealization of his portrait, but instead a grounded realism, in which his features evoke melancholy and peace. The work has been framed under glass in an appropriate 17th century old master style frame.

Biörklund's fifth state (of 5), after the reduction of the plate; Usticke's seventh state (of 7); White and Boon's fifth state (of 5). According to Usticke, "An extremely rare, small self portrait, RRR+" (Usticke illustrates an impression in reverse, which is evidently either a counter proof from the original plate or the reverse copy he notes in his catalogue).