Self Portrait at the Age of 63
- Artist: Rembrandt
- Date: 1669
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Self Portrait at the Age of 63" by Rembrandt. Painted in 1669, just before his death, this self portrait is one of only three he created in the months leading up to his passing. What's remarkable about Rembrandt is that he painted over 80 self portraits during his 40-year career - far more than any other artist of his time.
Rembrandt was obsessed with depicting textures and colours, and in this painting, you can see him preoccupied with capturing the details of his own ageing face. The sagging fold beneath his right eye is made with a heavily loaded brush, while the blemishes on his forehead are formed of blotches of coagulated paint.
Many art historians have interpreted this self portrait as an intensely personal and existential work - Rembrandt coming to terms with the approach of death. But it's worth considering that in the 17th century, people had different ideas about self-analysis than we do today. Perhaps Rembrandt's motives were more straightforward - driven by a professional fascination with the challenges of his art.
The way he uses light and shadow to emphasize his face is incredible - the beam bounces off his high forehead and nose, catching on his mottled brow and tufts of hair around his lips. The paint itself is thick and intensively applied, giving the skin a three-dimensional texture. It's truly remarkable craftsmanship.
See it in person
Self Portrait at the Age of 63 hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
