Self Portrait with Apologies to Mr. Rembrandt
Bruce Hancock
oil on canvas, 10" x 8";  SOLD
Exhibited at Village West in Under the Influence

Self-Portrait At An Early Age (1629)
Rembrandt van Rijn
Inspiration piece for Bruce Hancock for the
Under the Influence show, Fall 2016


"What painter hasn't studied the work of Rembrandt van Rijn with admiration? His majestic pieces grace every art history textbook and millions of coffee tables around the world. But tucked away among the dramatic masterworks that Rembrandt produced is a simple, slightly odd, self portrait that has fascinated me since I first saw it.

This tiny painting, roughly 6" x 5", shows the very young artist appearing to turn quickly to the viewer with a startled, wide-eyed expression. Was he interrupted while deeply lost in the creation of a painting? Was the interloper someone unexpected or not entirely welcome? While one would never compare the two paintings, it is a more intriguing expression than that of the Mona Lisa, in my opinion.

For reasons I could never explain, I decided to copy Mr. Rembrandt's fascinating little painting but insert my own image. I justified this sacrilege by telling myself that while I am certainly no young man, I am also no Rembrandt."

If you are interested in seeing more work, please contact Bruce Hancock or visit brucehancockart.com.

 

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