A young man with a mass of curly hair gazes outward from the center of the composition, his head turned slightly to his left so that the light falls across his face and collar. His features are rendered with a network of fine, energetic lines, which give texture to his hair and shadow to his cheeks and neck. The sitter’s white collar stands out sharply against the dark, densely hatched garment that covers his shoulders and chest, creating a striking contrast at the base of the image.

The background remains largely bare, with only a few light marks, focusing all attention on the figure and the play of light across his face and clothing. The etching technique is evident in the varied line work: delicate, looping strokes describe the curls, while heavier, parallel hatching builds the shadows of the coat and the lower part of the face. Subtle details, such as the suggestion of a mustache and the uneven edge of the collar, add to the immediacy and informality of the portrait.

The composition is tightly cropped, showing only the head and upper chest, which enhances the sense of intimacy and directness. The upper left and right corners of the print show faint impressions of the plate edge, with a slightly darker outline visible against the paper. A patch of dense cross-hatching fills the lower left corner, merging into the sitter’s shoulder and creating a deep shadow at the base of the image.

The background is a pale, uninked area with scattered specks and faint scratches, giving the surface a subtly mottled appearance. Light falls most strongly on the left side of the sitter’s face and collar, leaving the right side partially obscured in shadow. The handling of the etching needle varies, with some lines appearing crisp and controlled while others are loose and sketchy, especially around the hair and collar. Self-portrait with curly hair and white collar: bust was created by Rembrandt van Rijn around 1630.

The Rijksmuseum notes that this impression entered its collection through the bequest of Mr and Mrs De Bruijn-van der Leeuw from Muri, Switzerland.