Skip to main content

Main Building

Self-Portrait

1840
Rembrandt Peale (American, 1778–1860) Portrait of Rembrandt Peale (American, 1778–1860)

Rembrandt Peale was sixty-two and a distinguished portraitist and history painter when he made this handsome self-portrait as a wedding gift for his second wife, the artist Harriet Cany Peale. Painting his first self-portrait at age thirteen, he completed at least a dozen during his long life. In this work, his meticulous execution and masterful rendering of light and shadow defines and illuminates his face, forehead, and silver curls, imparting a soft yet dramatic dimension to the picture.


Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.


Main Building