In this picture, Rembrandt creates a cruel influence on the viewer. This painting was painted the following year after he declared bankruptcy, his house and properties and separated from his wife and family. At this time painting was exactly what Rembrandt had in mind. This self-portrait is one of the most famous self-portraits of Rembrandt, an artist of the Dutch Golden Age and the Baroque era. In this picture, the artistic and technical ability of the artist seems to be at its best, but the face is staring at the audience with a sad and dull look.

By doing this, Rembrandt's painting shows that despite his hardships and even his failures, he still maintains his dignity.

The entirety of Rembrandt's self-portraits

Rembrandt carefully focused his attention on those around him. He produced a unique and extensive collection of his portraits that not only show artistic expression, but Rembrandt's portraits themselves are his most personal, as they speak to the viewer generously through time.

 "We call these pictures biographical because Rembrandt forced us to do so. He looks at us and faces us directly. His deep-set eyes are always interacting with the viewer's eyes and seem fixed yet heavy and full of sadness."