Who painted Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust?

Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1631.

Where can I see Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust?

Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust?

Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust

Rembrandt van Rijn , 1631

Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust is a print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1973.38
Credit line: Dudley P. Allen Fund

About this work

Overview

Created in 1631, the print titled Old Man with a Flowing Beard: Bust is attributed to the Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of Rembrandt’s early exploration of portraiture in print form.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a mature male figure whose unkempt, curly hair and dense beard dominate his visage. A solemn expression and furrowed brow convey a sense of introspection, suggesting the artist’s interest in depicting the psychological depth of ordinary individuals rather than idealized heroes.

Technique & Style

Rendered with loose, scratchy lines, the print relies heavily on chiaroscuro, the contrast of light and dark, to model the facial features. The stark illumination accentuates the contours of the beard and cheekbones, while the shadowed areas recede, giving the bust a three‑dimensional presence characteristic of Rembrandt’s early graphic experiments.

History & Provenance

The work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, joining a broader collection of Dutch prints. Its attribution to Rembrandt has been supported by stylistic analysis and documented provenance tracing back to European collections that valued the artist’s early prints.