Rembrandt van Rijn (?)

Study of an Old Man

Rembrandt van Rijn (?)
Study of an Old Man

Not on view

The loose painting style, broad brushstrokes and dark tones of this painting bring to mind Rembrandt’s late work. But whether this is indeed a work by the great master remains unclear.

The identity of the sitter, who was long thought to be Rembrandt’s older brother Adriaen, only adds to the confusion. Today, however, we believe this painting to be a ‘tronie’, a study of a characterful old man’s facial expression.

Technical details

Rembrandt van Rijn (?)
Study of an Old Man

Not on view

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Details

General information
Artist Rembrandt van Rijn (Leiden 1606 - 1669 Amsterdam) (?)
Title Study of an Old Man
Object name painting
Inventory number 560
Material and technical details
Technique oil
Material canvas
Dimensions 80.5 x 66.5 cm
Inscriptions
Bears signature and date left of centre, next to the shoulder: Rembrandt.f. / 1650

Provenance

Jean-Baptiste-Pierre Lebrun, Paris, 1809-1810; Este sale, Paris, 28 April 1819, lot 64 (unsold; as kindly communicated by B. Fredericksen); Sébastien Erard, Paris, until 1832; Sir William Wellesley Knighton, Blendworth Lodge, Hampshire, 1885; Lesser Gallery, London; Sir John Robinson, London, 1889; Agnew’s, London, 1890; Charles Sedelmeyer Gallery, Paris, 1890; purchased, 1891