Self-Portrait with Two Circles

This Rembrandt self-portrait is loosely dated at circa 1665–1669 and is considered one of his most ambitious paintings within this genre

Rembrandt created over eighty self-portraits during his lifetime, half of which were in his standard oils. He would also produce etchings and drawings which each brought their own alternative benefits. Self-Portrait with Two Circles is one of his most recognisable works in this particular genre and deserves a particular focus.

The artist would produce self-portraits frequently because of the ease he found in selling them on. Financial management was not one of his best skills, by any means, meaning he needed to constantly produce an income. This genre was particularly common in the later years of his career, which was also when his financial strength was all the more unstable.

The content of this piece depicts the artist at work and this will always serve as a study in how he would go about his work. Across his life the types of self-portraits would also change, starting with connections to famous names before later being more reflective about his own personality and lifestyle.

The intriguing artwork can be found at the Kenwood House in London. This is a small museum that keeps a relatively low profile in a city full of large art galleries, museums and other cultural activities. It sits in the north of Greater London, featuring art, architecture and fabulous gardens through the organisation of English Heritage, who own the property and surrounding areas. Find paintings by William Turner, Frans Hals, Anthony van Dyck, Edwin Landseer, Joshua Reynolds, Albert Cuyp, Thomas Gainsborough and Jan Vermeer as part of their impressive collection.