A previously unknown self-portrait by Rembrandt has been welcomed with open arms for a temporary exhibition.
Although Rembrandt painted and etched hundreds of self-portraits over his career, every one is held in the highest regard. Apparently, Rembrandt painted so many self-portraits that his pupils recycled at least one of them for their own uses. That is the story experts uncovered in 1995, when X-rays revealed that a lovely self-portrait by the master had lain undetected for nearly three centuries underneath a painting by his students.
After its discovery, “Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes” was quickly restored and has established its place among the many other records of the artist’s visage. In the painting, we find a 28-year-old Rembrandt, complete with a stylish mustache and fur coat, and boasting a beret. His cap shields most of his face from the light source in the upper left, leaving him in shadow.
Visitors to Detroit have only a few more months to view the self-portrait along with three other Rembrandt originals — “The Weeping Woman,” “The Visitation,” and “Titus” —at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The museum reports that, “Rembrandt started painting self-portraits in the late 1620s and tended to portray himself wearing berets, fanciful costumes and accessories. His self-portraits stand out from those of other artists because of his endless variety and creativity. Although he painted the same subject 40 times, no two self-portraits look quite alike.”
“Rembrandt: Guest of Honor” will be on view through December 13.
To learn more, visit the Detroit Institute of Arts.
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Guest of Honor
