Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

The apostle Paul

oil on canvas (91 × 77 cm) — 1661 Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to 2 Corinthians 1:1

Self portrait. The sword and the book are common attributes of the apostle St Paul.

The light falls on the turban, the wrinkled face and on the manuscript. The hilt of the sword protrudes from the apostle's coat.

Rembrandt looks at the viewer with a significant glance, but what is he trying to tell us?

Rembrandt's 1661 apostles series:

• Bartholomew
• James the Elder
• Matthew
• Paul (self portrait)
• Simon
  

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