Self-Portrait (1652) - Vienna

This oil-on-canvas painting, housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, was created in 1652. It marks the first self-portrait Rembrandt painted after a seven-year hiatus, during which he focused on landscapes and domestic subjects. The painting depicts Rembrandt in a direct frontal pose, hands on his hips, wearing casual working attire, including a brown robe and a black beret. This contrasts with his earlier self-portraits, which often featured more elaborate and expensive clothing. This work is notable for its somber tone and the use of a local imprimatura, a technique where a separate underlayer of paint is applied to specific areas to enhance the shadows.

Self-Portrait (1655) - Scottish National Gallery

Painted in 1655, this self-portrait is part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection. It is a powerful depiction of Rembrandt during a period of significant personal and financial hardship. He was on the verge of financial ruin, having lost his wife Saskia and several children, and would soon declare insolvency. The painting is characterized by dark and brooding color tones and a piercing, honest stare. It captures the sadness and grief that Rembrandt was experiencing at the time.

Self-Portrait (c. 1668) - Wallraf-Richartz-Museum

This self-portrait, dated around 1668, is housed at the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum in Cologne. It portrays Rembrandt as visibly aged, with raised eyebrows and an open mouth that may suggest laughter, although the exact interpretation remains a subject of debate among art historians. The painting is remarkable for its psychological depth and the detailed depiction of Rembrandt's aged physiognomy, showcasing his mastery of capturing human emotion and physical appearance.