Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn: Self-Portrait with Two Circles (1665-1669)

(Kenwood House, London, UK)

Rembrandt is perhaps the best well-known Dutch painter from the 17th century. Born in 1606 in Leiden, he was the ninth child of a miller. He was an apprentice of several painters and opened a studio in Leiden in 1624/ 25. In 1631 he moved to amsterdam were he stayed the rest of his life. Rembrandt made about 100 of self-portraits during his life. The first when he was 22, the last in the year of his death. These give a visual diary of Rembrandt over a span of forty years. This self-portrait is from his later years when he was about 60. Painting from 1665-1669.