Artwork
Study of an Old Man in Profile
Study of an Old Man in Profile is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1630, this oil painting presents a solitary elderly figure seen in strict profile.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1630, this oil painting presents a solitary elderly figure seen in strict profile. The work belongs to the oeuvre of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, a central artist of the Dutch Golden Age, and is part of the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas focuses on an aged man whose lined visage and thinning gray hair convey the passage of time. Rendered in a simple, dark robe, the figure’s expression is subdued, inviting contemplation of human frailty and the quiet dignity of old age, themes recurrent in Rembrandt’s portraiture.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing a soft, illuminated plane against a muted brown background to model the sitter’s features. Bold, textured brushwork gives the skin its tactile quality, while the dark garment merges with the surrounding shadow, emphasizing the three‑dimensionality of the head and shoulders.
History & Provenance
The painting has remained in public hands, entering the Statens Museum for Kunst’s holdings where it is displayed among other works from the Dutch Golden Age. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop, reflecting Rembrandt’s practice of producing studies that explored facial character and light effects.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
