Artwork

Old Man in Fanciful Costume Holding a Stick

Old Man in Fanciful Costume Holding a Stick, by Rembrandt, oil
Old Man in Fanciful Costume Holding a Stick, by Rembrandt, oil

Old Man in Fanciful Costume Holding a Stick is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Old Man in Fanciful Costume Holding a Stick is a 17th-century oil painting by Rembrandt van Rijn, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a bearded old man in elaborate, antiquated attire, seated with a walking stick. His serious expression and prominent hands are highlighted against a dark background.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt's use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, draws attention to the subject's face and hands, creating a sense of depth. The man's costume appears to be a mix of different styles, adding to the painting's intriguing character.

History & Provenance

Dated to around 1700, the painting is part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.