Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul

oil on canvas, 1661

Rembrandt is 55 years old in this self-portrait, and he still looks at himself candidly. Here he assumes the guise of a personage from the Bible, the Apostle Paul. The sword protruding from his cloak and the manuscript in his hands are the apostle’s customary attributes. By using his own face, Rembrandt encouraged the viewer to engage personally with the saint.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-4050
  • Dimensionsheight 91 cm x width 77 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op doek