Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, Antwerp 1599–1641 London), Self-Portrait, from The Iconography, ca. 1630. Etching; first state of seven, 9 1/2 x 6 1/8in. (24.1 x 15.6cm). Bequest of Mary Stillman Harkness, 1950. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 50.583.4 © 2000–2016 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This is one of the 15 portraits that Van Dyck undertook for his series known as The Iconography. In this first state, his work is concentrated entirely in the uppermost section of the printed page and only in later states did an engraver complete the composition. The incomplete image was probably inspirational for Rembrandt; impressions of this state almost certainly circulated during Van Dyck's lifetime and were widely admired.

This work is exhibited in the "Unfinished: Thoughts Left Invisible" exhibition, on view through September 4th, 2016. #MetBreuer