Self portrait

In this etchingEtchingAn etching is in fact a print of a design etched into a metal plate. This is obtained as follows. A smooth metal plate (usually copper) is coated with etching-ground, an acid-resistant mixture of wax, resin and asphalt. The design is scratched into this coating with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath, in which the mordant bites into the exposed metal, etching in the lines of the design. The finished plate is then coated with ink, which fills the lines. By pressing the plate onto a surface, the design is transferred. A single plate can be used for between 50 and 200 prints. The earliest etching in existence dates from 1513. Rembrandt has portrayed himself working at a window. It is unclear whether he is drawing on a metal plate or paper. However, it is resting on a thick book and the light from the window highlights the drawing material in his hands, contrasting it with the dark background of his garment and the tablecloth. Wearing a simple smock and a hat, the artist's gaze meets that of the viewer. Half of his face is lost in shadow. Only the white of his eye is vaguely visible. Rembrandt used fine lines to depict his face. The hat, table, smock and background are depicted less accurately.