Artwork

Man in a Red Cloak

Man in a Red Cloak, by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1650
Man in a Red Cloak, by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1650

Man in a Red Cloak is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The work is painted in oil on a vertically grained oak panel, measuring 38.4 cm in height and 31.1 cm in width. The portrait is attributed to the style of Rembrandt and dated to 1650. The subdued palette is dominated by the cloak's crimson set against a dark, neutral ground that isolates the figure, a handling characteristic of mid-seventeenth-century Dutch portraiture.

History & Provenance

Following this private circulation, the artwork entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is inventoried as 1979.

The painting Man in a Red Cloak, dated to 1650, is an oil-on-panel portrait attributed to the style of Rembrandt. Its documented ownership chain includes the collectors Maurice Kann, Charles Sedelmeyer, and Jules Bache. Following this private circulation, the artwork entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is inventoried as 1979.3.76, having entered the collection in 1979. The piece measures 38.4 cm in height and 31.1 cm in width.

Overview

Rembrandt van Rijn, a prominent artist of the Dutch Golden Age, created Man in a Red Cloak around 1650. This oil painting portrays a distinguished figure, showcasing the artist's characteristic approach to portraiture. It exemplifies the rich artistic production of the Netherlands during a period of significant cultural flourishing, and is now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a man with curly hair and a solemn expression, his gaze directed outward. He is enveloped in a vivid red cloak, which contrasts with a subtle light-colored collar. The dark, undefined background serves to emphasize the sitter's face and the striking color of his garment, drawing the viewer's attention to these central elements.

Context

Painted during a period when Rembrandt was exploring diverse artistic expressions, Man in a Red Cloak reflects his broader engagement with various subjects and styles across painting, printmaking, and drawing. The work is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, an era recognized for its exceptional advancements in art and culture within the Netherlands.

Man in a Beret
Man in a Beret, Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Man in a Red Cloak?

Man in a Red Cloak was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1650-01-01.

Where can I see Man in a Red Cloak?

Man in a Red Cloak is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Man in a Red Cloak?

Man in a Red Cloak is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Man in a Red Cloak?

Museum-quality prints of Man in a Red Cloak are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.