Artwork

Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt

Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt, by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1654
Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt, by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1654

Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of an Old Man in Red, painted by Rembrandt in 1654, is an oil painting exemplifying the artist's technical mastery and depth during the Dutch Golden Age. It is part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is an elderly man with a long white beard and curly gray hair, dressed in a dark red-brown robe, accompanied by a wooden staff. His contemplative pose, with hands resting in his lap, suggests a focus on the individual's character.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt employed chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect, accentuating the subject's facial wrinkles and beard. Warm, earthy tones dominate, with the red robe glowing against a dark background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1654, during Rembrandt's peak, the painting is now held in the State Hermitage Museum's collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

This work reflects Rembrandt's broader practice of capturing psychological depth in portraits, a hallmark of the Dutch Golden Age's artistic innovations.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct legacies of 'Portrait of an Old Man in Red' are not detailed, it contributes to Rembrandt's reputation for masterful use of chiaroscuro and character-driven portraiture.

Portrait of an Old Man
Portrait of an Old Man, Alphonse Legros

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.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt?

Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654.

Where can I see Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt?

Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt?

Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of an Old Man in Red by Rembrandt are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.