Introduction:  In class we have been drawing  self portraits.  This is a very difficult task, one that has inspired many artist to create some of their greatest works.  It is always interesting to see how people picture themselves, and even more interesting is to see the changing way that they  view themselves as they continue to represent themselves over the years.  We will be studying the self portraits of Rembrandt for this assignment.  Rembrandt painted over 60 self portraits during his life time and these span decades of his life.  We will see just how much we can learn about Rembrandt by the way that he views himself and hopefully, you will be able to take what you have learned and apply it to your own self perceptions.

Information:  You will need to print the following worksheet   to get the thought questions which will prepare for writing your  two paragraph response.  Next, click on the website below in order to view Rembrandt's self portraits and answer the questions.  http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/rembrandt/self/
 

Assignment:
    Write a two paragraph response using your responses as an outline to the questions.  In the first paragraph you need to address the issue of Rembrandt's paintings-how he used light, how his portraits changed as he grew older, how his  perceptions of himself changed as he grew older.  In the second paragraph you need to address your own self portrait and the style with which you expressed yourself- how this portrait expresses how you view yourself and the things you'd like to change about your self portrait ( If you have trouble with this part, ask someone sitting next to you to view your self portrait.  Ask them if it looks like you and why or why not).  Also include how your own self portraits might change over the years.