Fine Art

Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul — History & Facts

Rembrandt is 55 years old in this self-portrait, and he still looks at himself candidly. Here he assumes the guise of a personage from the Bible, the Apostle Paul. The sword protruding from his cloak and the manuscript in his hands are the apostle’s customary attributes.

By using his own face, Rembrandt encouraged the viewer to engage personally with the saint.

More Artworks by Rembrandt van Rijn

Father embraces his son in an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt's 'The Crucifixion' depicts a dramatic moment in a religious context.

The Crucifixion

Rembrandt van Rijn

A man in a feathered hat smiles and raises a glass while holding a woman on his lap, both dressed in elaborate 17th-century clothing with a table of objects nearby.

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt's self-portrait showcases his mastery of light and shadow.

Self-Portrait in a heavy Fur Cap: Bust

Rembrandt van Rijn

Portrait of an old woman with clasped hands, painted by Rembrandt in 1661.

Portrait of a Seated Old Woman with Clasped Hands

Rembrandt van Rijn

A young woman with softly curling brown hair wears a lace-edged cap and an intricate white lace collar over a deep black dress against a warm brown background.

Portrait of a Young Woman

Rembrandt van Rijn

A woman stands by a door with a faint smile, wearing a deep red shawl and jewelry, illuminated against a dark background.

Portrait of Hendrickje Stoffels

Rembrandt van Rijn

A self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing his confident gaze and elaborate costume.

Portrait of Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn

Self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing his introspective gaze and aged features.

Portrait of the Artist

Rembrandt van Rijn

Portraits of Jean Pellicorne and his son Casper by Rembrandt, showcasing their expressions and attire.

Portraits of Jean Pellicorne and his Son Casper

Rembrandt van Rijn

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More Portrait Art

A young girl in a pale dress stands center surrounded by figures including two women, a dwarf, a dog, and a man with a brush beside a large canvas.

Las Meninas

Diego Velázquez

A European girl wearing a blue headscarf with a yellow drape and a large pearl earring against a dark background.

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Johannes Vermeer

A man wearing a heavy brown coat and dark fur hat with a white bandage on his right ear clenches a wooden pipe between his lips as smoke rises.

Self-portrait with a Bandaged Ear and Pipe

Unidentified artist

Marie de' Medici stands in a lavish black and gold gown with a golden mantle and helmet, crowned by two winged putti above her, with armor and weapons at her feet against a dramatic sky.

Portrait de Marie de Médicis

Peter Paul Rubens

A seated woman in a deep blue and gold gown with a starched white ruff, holding flowers, against a red curtain and grand architectural background.

Anne of Austria, Queen of France

Peter Paul Rubens

Equestrian portrait of Charles Colonna, Duke of Marsi by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the Duke on a rearing warhorse.

Equestrian portrait of Charles Colonna, Duke of Marsi

Peter Paul Rubens

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