Artwork
Bald Old Man with a Short Beard in Profile
Bald Old Man with a Short Beard in Profile is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Bald Old Man with a Short Beard in Profile is a circa 1635 etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, portraying a elderly subject in a contemplative pose.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts an aged, bald man with a short, neatly trimmed beard, his head and eyes cast downward, evoking an atmosphere of quiet reflection and introspection.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt's mastery of etching is evident in the intricate rendering of the subject's facial features, including deep wrinkles and sparse, unkempt hair, achieved through precise line work and texture.
History & Provenance
Created around 1635, specific details regarding the etching's original commission, early ownership, or exhibition history are not provided in the available information.
Context
This work reflects Rembrandt's interest in capturing the dignity and character of ordinary, aged individuals, a common theme in his 17th-century Dutch Golden Age oeuvre.
Legacy
While not individually renowned, this etching contributes to Rembrandt's broader reputation for technical innovation and emotional depth in portraiture, influencing later artists in their depiction of everyday subjects.
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.
