Rembrandt van Rijn 

Rembrandt in a Cap, Laughing: Bust1630

Physical Dimensions:

w4.13 x h4.93 cm

Provenance:

Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Calvin J. Holmes

Type:

Works on Paper - Prints

Self-Portrait in a Cap, Open-Mouthed1630

Rembrandt van Rijn

Dutch, 1606-1669
Etching; only state
plate: 2 x 1-3/4 in. (5.1 x 4.4 cm); sheet: 2-1/16 x 1-13/16 in. (5.2 x 4.6 cm)

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) Self-portrait wearing a soft cap: full face, head only, 1634, Etching

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces? I selected these Rembrandt sketched, because I really enjoyed the simplicity of them. I like how Rebrandt uses cross hatching to shade the self-portarits

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
I used pencil and charcoal to create my portrait, because I am most comfortable with those materials. I wanted to be more confident in my self-portrait, so I decided to be on the safer side, and go with what I know. 

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?The biggest problem I had with drawing my self portrait was drawing the lips and nose: this is always the hardest part for me to illustrate. I overcame both of these things, by taking a step back and looking at the lighting and shading, then using the pencil I gently outlined them
4. How does this piece represent you? I believe this piece represents me in a happy moment. Being optimistic is very much a salient feature; therefore, I tried to convey it in my portrait.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work? In this piece I used the element of light to utilize hatching and cross hatching.  I also used contour and outline to define the shapes and distances. This piece also required balance and emphasis and subordination to complete
6. Did you enjoy working on this project? I did enjoy working on this piece, and I plan on trying a second self-portrait after finals. 

7. What do you think of your final artwork? I like my final piece. I definitely need to practice more of the techniques in shading ( Emphasis, subordination) to make it really come to life, but given my lack of experience, I am quite please with the final result.