Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul
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.
1661
Oil on canvas
91.0 x 77.0cm
SK-A-4050
Image and text courtesy of Rijksmuseum, 2019
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Rijksmuseum
Permanent collection
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Self-portrait
Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum
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Self Portrait as the Apostle Paul
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