Self-portrait in studio attire 1655

This is a pen and bistre drawing of himself by Rembrandt van Rijn. Here, we see Rembrandt in his studio, casually posing in his working clothes. The artist’s garb is not a statement of wealth or status, but instead a representation of his trade, of what it is to be an artist in 17th century Netherlands. In the Dutch Republic, the art market was open, and artists had to find a way to stand out. Costume and dress were used in self-portraits to assert the unique status of the artist. Looking at Rembrandt’s drawings, etchings, and paintings, you’ll see the way he returns to his own image as a means of promoting himself. To understand Rembrandt, one needs to consult archival sources, such as inventories, guild records, and period writings on art. These sources help us understand how artists forged their identities and found their place in the world. Art making always exists within a specific social and institutional context.