Artwork
Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul
Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1661 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
This is Rembrandt’s 1661 Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul. He painted it in oil on canvas when he was in his late fifties. It’s one of more than forty self-portraits he made over his lifetime.
Artists often use these portraits to explore how faces change with age. Rembrandt did that here too, showing his own lined face with quiet focus.
Look up his other self-portraits next.
Overview
This work is one of over forty self-portraits the Dutch artist produced throughout his career, depicting himself in his late fifties.
Rembrandt van Rijn created Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul in 1661, an oil on canvas painting. This work is one of over forty self-portraits the Dutch artist produced throughout his career, depicting himself in his late fifties. The painting is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is recognized as a significant example of his late period, showcasing his introspective approach to self-representation.
Subject & Meaning
In this self-portrait, Rembrandt assumes the guise of Saint Paul, an apostle whose life was marked by profound spiritual transformation and hardship. The artist's own aging face, with its visible lines, conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and introspection, aligning with the perceived wisdom and suffering of the biblical figure. This portrayal reflects a common artistic practice of using self-representation to explore themes of identity and the passage of time.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, this painting exemplifies Rembrandt's mature style. Art historians suggest the artist employed the wet-on-wet technique, layering paint while still damp to achieve rich textures and nuanced visual effects. The work bears the artist's signature and date, "Rembrandt.f./1661," positioned near the sitter's left shoulder, confirming its authorship and year of creation. This method allowed for a fluid application, contributing to the work's expressive depth.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1661, Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul has become a notable work within Rembrandt's extensive oeuvre. The painting is a prominent feature of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is displayed to the public. Its inclusion in the BBC's "100 Great Paintings" further underscores its enduring significance and recognition within the broader history of art.
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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.
