Self-portrait 1665

Rembrandt van Rijn created this self-portrait using oil paint, a traditional fine art material. Look closely, and you will see how the material itself influences the appearance of the artwork. Rembrandt applied the paint in thick, textured strokes, a technique known as impasto. This adds depth and dimension to the painting, catching the light in a way that mimics the texture of skin, fabric, and hair. Consider the skilled traditions Rembrandt engaged with: grinding pigments, mixing paints, layering the application for certain optical effects. He spent a significant amount of time developing his skills to master oil painting techniques and the amount of work he put into the production is evident. By emphasizing the physical qualities of the paint itself, Rembrandt challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, reminding us that materials and making are central to understanding the full meaning of the work.