Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man, by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1632
Portrait of a Man, by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1632

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

Its material composition consists of oil pigments bound in a linseed medium applied to a wooden panel, a technique typical of Dutch Golden Age portraiture.

The work titled Portrait of a Man, painted by Rembrandt in 1632, is executed in oil paint on an oak panel support. The painting measures 75.6 × 52.1 cm and belongs to the portrait genre, depicting a solitary male sitter. Its material composition consists of oil pigments bound in a linseed medium applied to a wooden panel, a technique typical of Dutch Golden Age portraiture.

The composition follows a straightforward frontal presentation, emphasizing the sitter’s facial features and attire without additional symbolic elements. The artwork is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains part of the permanent collection.

History & Provenance

The painting’s early provenance is documented through the French collector Claude Tolozan, whose ownership is recorded at the time of its inception in 1632. The work subsequently entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art as accession number 64.126, where it remains in the collection. The oak panel support and technical features align with Rembrandt’s practice in the early 1630s, supporting the dating to 1632.

The Portrait of a Man is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work, dated to 1632, is assigned the accession number 64.126. It is an oil painting on an oak panel measuring 75.6 cm in height and 52.1 cm in width.

While the museum currently possesses the piece, historical records indicate it was previously owned by Claude Tolozan. The provided sources confirm the artwork's location and inventory details but do not contain information regarding a specific exhibition history for this painting.

Overview

Rembrandt van Rijn, a prominent artist of the Dutch Golden Age, created this Portrait of a Man in 1632. Executed in oil paint, the work exemplifies his early career focus on individual likenesses. It is now part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a key period in the artist's development and his exploration of portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a man with a serious expression, characterized by his curly hair and dark beard. He is dressed in a dark coat, accented by a prominent white ruff collar that frames his face. The plain, dark background ensures that the viewer's attention remains entirely on the sitter, emphasizing his presence and individual character.

Context

Created early in Rembrandt's prolific career, this portrait aligns with his broader artistic output during the Dutch Golden Age. The artist was known for a diverse body of work, encompassing approximately three hundred paintings, alongside numerous etchings and drawings. This period was crucial for his development, as he consistently explored varied subjects and refined his distinctive artistic approaches.

Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man, Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck

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 Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1632-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man?

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