Artwork
Portrait of Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn
Portrait of Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Lievens. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Jan Lievens created a portrait of his contemporary Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn in 1628, situating the work firmly within the Dutch Golden Age. The painting is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the close professional relationship between the two artists, who were both Leiden natives and former pupils of Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is a young Rembrandt, rendered with curly hair, a solemn expression, and attire that includes a dark hat, a white collar, and a red garment draped over his shoulder. The plain, dark backdrop isolates the figure, emphasizing his facial features and the introspective mood typical of early seventeenth‑century portraiture.
Technique & Style
Lievens employs a subtle chiaroscuro, using soft shadows and highlights to model the face in three dimensions. This handling of light and shade aligns with contemporary Dutch portrait practices, creating a sense of volume and presence without elaborate background detail.
History & Provenance
Both Lievens and Rembrandt shared a studio during the early phase of their careers, a circumstance that likely facilitated this personal depiction. After remaining in private hands for centuries, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Dutch Golden Age collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Lievens (24 October 1607 – 4 June 1674) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who was associated with his close contemporary Rembrandt, a year older, in the early parts of their careers.
