Artwork

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light)

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light), by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1657
Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light), by Rembrandt van Rijn, oil, 1657

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1657 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Titus van Rijn, the son of Rembrandt, absorbed in reading.

The painting shows Titus van Rijn, the son of Rembrandt, absorbed in reading. He is depicted at a table illuminated by a beam of light that falls directly on the page and is reflected onto his face, creating a quiet, intimate study of thought. The work functions as a portrait that emphasizes the young man's scholarly activity and the subtle play of illumination, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge within a domestic setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1657, this portrait of Titus van Rijn is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 705 cm in height and 640 cm in width. As indicated by its title, the composition functions as a study of lighting effects, specifically examining the interplay between direct illumination and reflected light on the subject. The piece is classified as a portrait within the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

History & Provenance

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) is an oil painting on canvas created by Rembrandt in 1657. The work depicts the artist's son, Titus van Rijn, and is classified as a portrait genre piece. It was executed during the final decade of Rembrandt's life, specifically dated to 1657.

The painting measures 70.5 cm in height and 64.0 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

The painting Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Created in 1657, the work measures 705 cm in height and 640 cm in width. The provided sources confirm its location within this specific institution but do not list a specific inventory or accession number. Furthermore, no details regarding the exhibition history of the piece are available in the current documentation.

Overview

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1657, featuring his son Titus van Rijn in a contemplative pose.

Context

Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the work exemplifies Rembrandt's innovative manipulation of light and shadow, characteristic of his period's artistic advancements.

Study of a Seated Cavalier Reading
Study of a Seated Cavalier Reading, Ernest Meissonier

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 Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light)?

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1657.

Where can I see Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light)?

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light)?

Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light)?

Museum-quality prints of Titus Reading (study in direct and reflected light) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.