A PAINTING by one of the world's most celebrated artists is on display in Belfast.
Self Portrait at the Age of 63, one of the last paintings by Rembrandt, was yesterday unveiled at the Ulster Museum.
The artist was one of the most admired painters of the 17th century and his spectacular painting is usually on show in the National Gallery in London.
But art lovers in Northern Ireland will be able to view the painting at the Ulster Museum for the next two months after it was selected as the first venue on the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour.
The tour aims to allow greater access to and encourage deeper appreciation of some of the world's most famous masterpieces.
Anne Stewart, National Museums Northern Ireland's Curator of Fine Art, said: "One of his most famous self-portraits, this incredible work of art is considered one of his most important and poignant works.
"There is an intensity and pride about the painting, as well as deep pain and sadness.
"There is a strong sense that this was a self-portrait by someone who knew he was close to the end of his life."
Dr Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery in London, said: "Rembrandt's very late self-portrait is one of his most moving and expressive works and reflects a lifetime's worth of scrutinizing his own likeness.
"A short time after finishing this picture, he was dead.
"This is one of the most celebrated Rembrandts in the National Gallery and we are thrilled to share it with the public in Belfast where it can be seen with Dutch paintings from the Ulster Museum."
The Rembrandt painting will be on display at the Ulster Museum until March 13 and admission is free.
