Self-portrait (?) with plumed cap and lowered sabre

Although this etching has been widely considered to be Rembrandt’s self-portrait since the mid-18th century, the somewhat different facial features and birthmark on the right cheek have cast some doubt on this identification. Since its second state the portrait is oval-shaped and portrays the figure at bust length, but the original intent was different. In the first state, Rembrandt depicted almost the entire figure down to the knees, his right arm akimbo in a confident gesture and his left hand in a glove resting on a kris. This long dagger originates in Southeast Asia and has a peculiarly shaped handle and blade. Likely because of damage sustained by the plate, Rembrandt significantly reduced the composition and cut it down to an oval format.