The Self-Portraits of Rembrandt and Bernini

Analyzes, discusses and compares two self-potraits by artists Rembrandt and Bernini.

Both Rembrandt and Bernini painted self-portraits and both were keen to manipulate the self-images they presented to the public in certain ways. There are similarities in their perspectives on self-portraits as well as significant differences. One of the most important differences is the fact that Bernini’s most compelling self-image appeared in works actually depicting others (David e.g.), while Rembrandt was fond of painting himself as himself.