Rembrandt painted, drew, and etched dozens of self-portraits over his lifetime. Together, his self-portraits form an extended study of a wide range of human emotions and states of mind. This work was painted shortly after the artist had declared bankruptcy and experienced other hardships. It is tempting to discern an aura of melancholy in the serious expression, but the steady gaze and expressive handling of the paint emphasizing the eyes lends a sense of dignity and strength to the sitter.