A Peasant in a High Cap, Standing Leaning on a Stick

A Peasant in a High Cap, Standing Leaning on a Stick by Rembrandt van Rijn is a meticulous example of the artist's expertise in the demanding medium of etching, executed in 1639. The work depicts a commoner, viewed in a full-length posture, defined by his rough attire and the highly distinctive, conical high cap that gives the piece its title. The artist captures the subject leaning heavily on a staff, communicating both the physical reality and perhaps the weary disposition of the man. The delicate but expressive use of the etching needle results in varied line work, creating texture in the peasant's coat and establishing deep shadow around his aged figure.

Produced during the peak influence of the Dutch Golden Age, this small print falls squarely within the art historical period 1601 to 1650. During this decade, Rijn was extensively engaged in printmaking, utilizing the medium not only for commissioned portraits but also for expressive character studies like this one, often referred to as tronies when focusing on facial expression. The intensity of light and shade achieved through dense cross-hatching demonstrates the artist’s characteristic attention to dramatizing the mundane. These detailed observations of everyday people were central to the rising artistic movements in the Netherlands and reflect a significant focus within the broader Dutch cultural landscape.

The surviving impression of this highly detailed piece is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a widely recognized etching from the seventeenth century, the existence of multiple fine prints ensures the accessibility of this image for scholars and the public. Due to its age, this foundational example of Rijn’s graphic arts is generally considered to be in the public domain, allowing for broad dissemination and continued study of his mastery of light, line, and character.