Who painted Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap?

Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1638.

Where can I see Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap?

Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap?

Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap?

Museum-quality prints of Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap

Rembrandt van Rijn , 1638

Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The artist employs a dynamic etching technique, using rapid, varied lines to articulate the coarse texture of the fur against the smoother modeling of the skin.

Head of an Old Man in High Fur Cap is an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn created in 1638. The work presents a bust-length portrait of an elderly male figure distinguished by a tall, voluminous fur cap that dominates the upper composition. Rembrandt renders the subject's face with deep wrinkles and a somber, introspective expression, utilizing a slight frown to convey gravity.

The artist employs a dynamic etching technique, using rapid, varied lines to articulate the coarse texture of the fur against the smoother modeling of the skin. This contrast highlights the tactile quality of the materials and the play of light across the forms. Executed during a period of significant technical experimentation, the piece exemplifies Rembrandt's mastery of the etching medium in the late 1630s, where he moved beyond mere reproduction to create atmospheric, character-driven studies.

The work belongs to a series of head studies and tronies produced by the artist to explore facial expressions, lighting effects, and the depiction of diverse character types, rather than to document specific individuals.