Final answer:
Rembrandt's self-portraits depict him at different stages of his life and showcase his progression as an artist. They provide a clear picture of his appearance and psychological make-up, emphasizing the use of light and shadow and the distinctive features of his face.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rembrandt's Self-Portraits
Rembrandt created over eighty self-portraits of oil, etching, and drawings, each unique, depicting him at different stages of his life with distinctive images, reflective studies of a face and the nose as the border of light and shadow. In his self-portraits, Rembrandt often angled the sitter's face to emphasize the brightly illuminated areas and shadowy regions, with the ridge of the nose acting as a line of demarcation. His self-portraits offer a clear picture of his appearance and psychological make-up, showcasing his progression from a young and uncertain man to a troubled yet powerful artist.