Five and a half reasons why you need to see Rembrandt’s Self Portrait at the Age of 63

We’ve been selected to host Rembrandt’s Self Portrait at the Age of 63 (21 May-17 July 2016) as part of the National Gallery’s Masterpiece Tour. Here Elizabeth Gorell, Art History student at the University of Bristol, takes us through some reasons why you should come and see it at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

1. You can look close up:

Only when standing within breathing distance to the portrait does the detail of Rembrandt’s aged and heavily lined skin truly impact. Rembrandt’s portrait appears etched with the premature loss of his first wife Saskia and the deaths of three children in infanthood.

2. You can look at a distance:

The use of broader brushstrokes in this portrait could be attributed to Rembrandt’s failing eyesight. This encourages the viewer to take a step back to admire the portrait in its entirety as an aging Rembrandt appears to be physically distancing himself from the living world.

3. You can become an art detective:

Technical analysis revealed that Rembrandt’s beret had previously been both larger and paler and his hands were holding a paintbrush. Though with the naked eye it would be near impossible to see these deviations why not try and spot these subtle changes beneath the brushstrokes.

4. You can see Rembrandt’s dark side:

Comparisons have been made between Rembrandt and his contemporary Caravaggio’s dramatic use of light and shadow known as chiaroscuro. This is illustrated by the uses of shadowy facial details which gives the impression of a tangible presence.

5. You can see Rembrandt, the man:

Potentially the signs of Rosacea, a condition which worsens with stress have been noted in this portrait. Through attributing medical conditions to Rembrandt’s realistic depiction of flesh and blood transforms this historically distant portrait into a palpable subject.

5 ½. Because you can:

It’s not often that Old Masters beyond the Museum’s great collections are shown in Bristol. Why not grasp this opportunity whilst you can and also take the chance to admire the museum’s excellent collection of Rembrandt prints also on display in the gallery.

Read more

• April 2016: Curating Bristol’s Fine Art displays
• February 2016: Conserving Bristol’s Fine Art displays
• January 2016: Transforming Bristol’s Fine Art displays