Artwork
Young Man in a Velvet Cap (Petrus Sylvius?)
Young Man in a Velvet Cap (Petrus Sylvius?) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The artist signed it in the corner—*"Rembrandt F 1637"*—meaning it’s from 1637.
This sketch shows a man in a wide-brimmed hat, his face turned slightly away. His collar is high, and his hand rests on his chest. The lines are rough and dark, giving his clothes and hair a textured look.
The artist signed it in the corner—*"Rembrandt F 1637"*—meaning it’s from 1637. The paper has a woven texture, and the lines look hand-scratchy, not smooth.
Next, check out etching to see how artists like Rembrandt made prints this way.
Overview
Created in 1637, this etching by Rembrandt van Rijn depicts a young man wearing a broad-brimmed velvet cap. The figure is shown in profile, his gaze turned away, with a high collar and a hand placed on his chest. The work is executed on laid paper, bearing the artist’s signature and date in the lower corner.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents a solitary figure whose pose suggests contemplation or modesty. The cap and high collar indicate a fashionable attire of the period, while the hand on the chest may imply a gesture of self‑presentation or introspection, typical of Rembrandt’s interest in psychological depth.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt employed a direct, hand‑scratched line that yields a rough, textured surface. The etching’s dark, uneven strokes give the hair and clothing a tactile quality, contrasting with the smoother areas of the laid paper background.
History & Provenance
The print bears the inscription "Rembrandt f. 1637," confirming its creation date and authorship. It remains an example of Rembrandt’s early printmaking, produced during a prolific period when he was experimenting with etching as a medium.
Context
In the 1630s Rembrandt was expanding his repertoire beyond painting, exploring the possibilities of printmaking. This work reflects his engagement with portraiture, a genre he frequently revisited, and demonstrates his skill in rendering character through line rather than color.
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.
