Artwork
Rembrandt's Son Titus
Rembrandt's Son Titus is an oil painting. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts Rembrandt's son, Titus, rendered in oil.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
It functions as a formal likeness that records the young man’s appearance and social standing, typical of portraiture of the period.
The work shows Titus van Rijn, Rembrandt’s son, rendered as a full‑length portrait in oil on canvas in 1680. It functions as a formal likeness that records the young man’s appearance and social standing, typical of portraiture of the period. The painting’s subject is explicitly identified as Titus van Rijn, and its genre is classified as a portrait, reflecting Rembrandt’s practice of documenting family members within the artistic tradition of the Dutch Golden Age. The composition emphasizes the sitter’s direct gaze and modest attire, underscoring a personal yet dignified representation.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for Rembrandt's portrait practice. According to the cataloguing record, the canvas measures 79.1 cm in height by 59.1 cm in width, giving it an upright, half-length format suited to a single sitter. The painting is dated 1680 and is classified as a portrait, with Titus van Rijn identified as the main subject.
The attribution in the Wikidata record is to the "Style of Rembrandt" rather than to Rembrandt himself, suggesting the formal handling is consistent with the master's manner but not autograph. No further technical details regarding underdrawing, paint layering, impasto, glazing, or current condition are documented in the available sources.
History & Provenance
Rembrandt's Son Titus is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it has been part of the collection since its acquisition. The painting is cataloged under the accession number 14.40.617, reflecting its inclusion in the museum's holdings through the Benjamin Altman bequest of 1913. Prior to this, the work passed through notable private collections, including those of Charles Sedelmeyer and Rodolphe Kann.
The portrait has been featured in major exhibitions, though specific exhibition history is selectively documented; it is prominently displayed within the museum's European paintings galleries, ensuring its accessibility to the public.
Overview
This painting depicts Rembrandt's son, Titus, rendered in oil. The artwork presents a young individual with curly hair, set against a deeply shadowed backdrop. A subtle luminous effect encircles the subject's head, drawing attention to the serene yet contemplative expression.
The figure wears a modest white collar over dark attire, emphasizing the face through a strong contrast with the surrounding darkness.
Artist & collection
