Who painted Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat?

Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat was painted by Rembrandt in 1638.

Where can I see Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat?

Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat?

Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat?

Museum-quality prints of Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat

Rembrandt , 1638

Man in a Broad-Brimmed Hat is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1638, this etching by Rembrandt van Rijn presents a solitary figure wearing a broad-brimmed hat. The composition is dominated by deep shadows that obscure the face, while a light beige background offers a muted contrast. The work exemplifies the artist’s early printmaking period, focusing on a single, introspective subject.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in a ruffled collar and a buttoned coat, his right shoulder partially turned toward the viewer. His gaze looks to the right, and the expression carries a restrained seriousness, suggesting contemplation or a moment of quiet resolve. The hat’s shadow further isolates the face, emphasizing inner thought over external detail.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the piece employs a limited tonal range, with the darkest inks reserved for the hat and coat and lighter washes for the background. Rembrandt’s handling of line and wash creates a subtle gradation of tone, allowing the figure’s form to emerge from the surrounding darkness while retaining a sense of depth and texture.

History & Provenance

The print dates to 1638, placing it within Rembrandt’s prolific early career when he was refining his approach to portraiture in print form. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is recognized as part of the artist’s extensive oeuvre of etchings that circulated among collectors in the Dutch Golden Age.

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Artist & collection

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.