Portrait of a Young Man With a Golden Chain (Self-Portrait with a new beard)

The "Portrait of a Young Man with a Gold Chain" is a captivating oil painting frequently attributed to the renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt, and it is commonly dated to around 1635. Although it has long been considered a self-portrait, modern critics are increasingly questioning this assumption.

Historical documents and records from the 17th century support the notion that Rembrandt painted this piece. However, in 1989, the Rembrandt Research Project sparked controversy by suggesting that the painting might actually be the work of someone from Rembrandt's circle rather than the master himself.

The painting depicts a young man wearing a gold chain, staring directly at the viewer with a reserved, almost melancholic expression. The format of the painting is somewhat unusual, and copies of it suggest that it might have originally been rectangular. Unfortunately, the painting is not in optimal condition today, with overlapping layers of paint and a signature reading "Rembrandt" visible under infrared light on the right shoulder.

There has been ongoing debate about whether this painting is a portrait of someone else or a self-portrait by Rembrandt. While it was once widely accepted as a self-portrait from 1635, many historians now dispute this notion, comparing it to other self-portraits from the same period.

The attribution to Rembrandt has a long history, with mentions in various biographies and catalogs dating back to the 18th century. However, the Rembrandt Research Project's 1989 claim ignited heated discussions. Some experts, such as Pietro Maria Bardi and Luiz Marques, have disagreed with the project's conclusion and continue to support the traditional attribution to Rembrandt.

Interestingly, the painting has inspired other works, including William Hogarth's "Portrait of John Pine" demonstrating its lasting impact and influence.

Despite all the controversy, this painting remains a fascinating subject for both scholars and art enthusiasts alike.