|
There are more than 100 self portraits.In an early self portrait done in 1629 he uses expressive light and shadow, and stares defiantly out at the viewer. The harsh, bright light coming from the left makes his features appear sharp, bold and determined.
In a portrait done in 1640, a softer, more flattering light bathes a highly successful, richly dressed master painter in his mid-30's. Twenty years later, in a portrait done in 1661 the rich clothing and defiant look are gone. Rembrandt's composition is very basic. And the elderly painter's face seems to be lit by a glow from within.
He created so many self portraits not so much because he wanted to reveal his innermost feelings, but in order to study facial expressions. But, like all great portraits, these works communicate the artist's personality and state of mind.
|