Rembrandt van Rijn (?)

Study of an Old Man

560 detail signatuur
560 achterzijde
560 ingelijst
560 voorzijde
560 voorzijde

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
560 voorzijde

Rembrandt van Rijn (?)
Study of an Old Man

Not on view

Upwards

Details

General information
Rembrandt van Rijn (Leiden 1606 - 1669 Amsterdam) (?)
Study of an Old Man
painting
560
Material and technical details
oil
canvas
80.5 x 66.5 cm
Inscriptions
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