Artwork

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand, by Rembrandt van Rijn, ink, 1639
Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand, by Rembrandt van Rijn, ink, 1639

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand is a print created by Rembrandt van Rijn around 1639, utilizing etching and drypoint techniques to capture a contemplative moment.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an elderly man seated with his hand raised to his eyes, partially obscuring his face, conveying a sense of weariness or introspection through his posture.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt employed loose, expressive lines, leaving some areas of the plate blank to allow the paper to show through. The drypoint technique added a rough, grainy texture, lending the work a spontaneous, sketch-like quality.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1639, specific details regarding the print's provenance and exhibition history are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects Rembrandt's experimentation with etching and drypoint during the 17th century, a period when these techniques were integral to artistic expression in Europe.

Legacy

While the broader impact of 'Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand' on subsequent art movements is not detailed here, it remains a characteristic example of Rembrandt's etching practice.

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.

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

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand?

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1639.

Where can I see Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand?

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand?

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand?

Museum-quality prints of Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.