A Polander with a Stick

A Polander with a Stick is a masterful print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1631. This specific work, executed on paper, demonstrates Rijn’s profound skill in graphic arts, likely utilizing the etching technique. Created early in his independent career, the piece focuses intently on the detailed study of character and costume, hallmarks of the Dutch Golden Age master’s developing style. The subject, identified simply as a 'Polander'—a term often used broadly during this period to categorize travelers or figures from Eastern Europe—is rendered with deep shadows and precise texture, highlighting the rough clothing and his commanding posture supported by the stick.

Dated to 1631, this full-length study exemplifies the artist Rijn’s fascination with unconventional or distinctive figures, paralleling his famous character heads, or tronies. The figure in A Polander with a Stick is shown full-length, wearing a distinctive peaked hat and heavily shadowed garments that obscure much of his facial detail. Rijn employs sharp contrasts, expertly exploiting the dark tones inherent to the print medium to emphasize the mystery surrounding the traveler. This technique allowed Rijn to explore human psychology and complex texture economically using line and shadow rather than color.

The original print is a prized element of the esteemed collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. As with many works by this prolific master, high-resolution reproductions of these 17th-century prints are often made available to the public domain, ensuring scholars and enthusiasts worldwide can study the nuances of Rijn’s graphic genius. This work remains a powerful example of the dynamism Rembrandt brought to the medium of prints during this pivotal transitional period of his career.