Artwork

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak, by Rembrandt van Rijn, ink, 1632
Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak, by Rembrandt van Rijn, ink, 1632

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak is an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to circa 1632. The work depicts an elderly man characterized by a long white beard, curly hair, a fur cap, and a loosely draped velvet cloak. His hands are positioned in his lap, and his facial expression conveys contemplation.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, an aged man with distinctive attire, is portrayed in a state of quiet reflection. The emphasis on his thoughtful expression and the meticulous rendering of his age-related features (wrinkles, long beard) suggest the work may explore themes of aging, introspection, or possibly the dignity of old age.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the piece showcases Rembrandt's mastery of the medium. Sharp, expressive lines define the subject's facial wrinkles, the texture of the fur cap, and the folds of the velvet cloak, demonstrating the artist's ability to achieve nuanced detail through etching.

History & Provenance

Created around 1632, specific details regarding the work's early ownership and exhibition history are not provided in the available information.

Context

Within Rembrandt's oeuvre, this etching reflects his interest in capturing the humanity and depth of ordinary individuals, often focusing on the elderly. It aligns with the Dutch Golden Age's broader artistic trends of emphasizing everyday life and psychological depth.

Legacy

As part of Rembrandt's prolific etching output, Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak contributes to the artist's enduring legacy in the medium, influencing later generations of printmakers and artists with its expressive and technical qualities.

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak
Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak, Rembrandt van Rijn

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 with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak?

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1632.

Where can I see Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak?

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak?

Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak?

Museum-quality prints of Old Man with Beard, Fur Cap, and Velvet Cloak are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.