Artwork
Man in a Coat and Fur Cap Leaning against a Bank
Man in a Coat and Fur Cap Leaning against a Bank is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Rembrandt’s etching, dated around 1630, portrays a solitary figure leaning against a bank. The subject is clothed in a long coat and a fur‑trimmed cap, his beard and moustache prominent, and his gaze turned slightly to the right. The composition captures a moment of quiet repose, the figure’s posture suggesting a brief pause in an everyday setting.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on an anonymous man, rendered with careful attention to his attire and posture. By positioning the figure against a bank—a likely reference to a riverbank or a financial counter—Rembrandt invites contemplation of the individual’s relationship to his environment, hinting at themes of solitude and contemplation within a public space.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching, the image relies on bold, thick lines and deep, layered shading to create a sense of volume. Rembrandt’s handling of light and shadow accentuates the folds of the coat and the texture of the fur cap, while the contrast between illuminated areas and dark recesses gives the scene a tangible depth.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1630s, the print belongs to Rembrandt’s prolific period of graphic work. It was produced as part of his series of figure studies, which were widely circulated among collectors and fellow artists during his lifetime, contributing to his reputation as a master of the etching medium.
Context
The etching reflects the Dutch Golden Age’s interest in realistic portraiture and everyday life. Rembrandt’s focus on a single, unnamed individual aligns with contemporary trends that valued the observation of ordinary people, while his technical innovations in printmaking set new standards for tonal richness.
Own this work as a print
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.
A Peasant in a High Cap, Standing Leaning on a Stick
Beggar with a Wooden Leg
A Standing Oriental Holding a Rod
Beggar (Un mendiant)
Saint Peter in Penitence
Beggar Leaning on a Stick, Facing Left
Head of an Oriental
A Beggar
La Mère Gérard
Beggar Woman Leaning on a Stick
A Standing Oriental Wearing a Greatcoat
Snub-Nosed Man in a Cap