REMBRANDT

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) was a Dutch painter, printmaker, and draughtsman. He is generally considered one of the greatest artists in the history of art and the most important in Dutch history. Unlike most of his peers, Rembrandt worked in a wide range of styles and subject matter, from portraits to landscapes, genre, allegorical and historical scenes, biblical and mythological themes, as well as animal studies.

Banksy recreates Rembrandt's well-known Self Portrait at the Age of 63 (1669) and covers the expressive eyes, which Rembrandt's portraits are best known for, with googly eyes. This simple act undermines the painting itself and encourages the viewer to question the nature of art, creating a work that is not only witty, but visually amusing. Poignantly, in this case, Banksy has altered a work in much the same way he does when he throws up an illegal street piece on a building. However, this practical joke has a deeper meaning.

Self-Portrait at the Age of 63 is one of three from Rembrandt produced in 1669, and one of the last in his series of around 80 self-portraits, painted in the months before his death in October 1669. Despite the nearness of death, and his aging face, Rembrandt creates the impression of a self-assured, confident, calm artist. It was bought by the London National Gallery in 1851.

Banksy's appropriation of Rembrandt's internationally beloved self-portrait invites the viewer to question why this act seems so audacious, why this painting is valued so highly, and furthermore, what constitutes “great art?” As a street artist, Banksy is no stranger to graffiti being considered “low art” or even “vandalism.” Consequently, he aims to subvert what we consider “high art” by taking a famous painting, catching the viewer's interest with attention-grabbing googly eyes, and creating a piece that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and progressive.