Artwork
Rembrandt Laughing
Rembrandt Laughing is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.
About this work
Rembrandt Laughing is a painting dated 1628. It was made by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn using oil on copper.
The work is a tronie—a study of a laughing face. Because it shows the artist himself, it counts as one of more than 40 self‑portraits Rembrandt painted, and it is probably the earliest elaborate example of that kind.
Look for it at the museum: J. Paul Getty Museum.
Overview
Rembrandt Laughing is a small oil on copper painting created around 1628 by Rembrandt van Rijn. It is a detailed representation of the artist's own laughing face.
Subject & Meaning
The painting is both a tronie, a study of a particular facial expression, and a self-portrait, one of over 40 produced by Rembrandt throughout his career. It is likely his earliest elaborate self-portrait.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on a copper substrate, a technique that allows for rich, detailed rendering.
History & Provenance
Recently discovered, Rembrandt Laughing is now part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection in California.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
