A Young Man Seated at a Table (possibly Govaert Flinck)

A Young Man Seated at a Table (possibly Govaert Flinck) by Rembrandt van Rijn is an evocative oil on canvas painting completed around 1660. The painting's attribution is complex; while cataloged under the master’s name, historical assessment suggests it may be the work of Govaert Flinck, one of Rijn's highly skilled pupils, reflecting the interconnectedness of artists during the period.

Created during the latter half of the Dutch Golden Age (within the 1651 to 1700 period), this work exemplifies the psychological depth and mastery of light for which Rijn is renowned. The subject, a young man, is shown seated at a table, rendered with the dramatic use of chiaroscuro that defined the artist's later style. The subdued, earthy palette emphasizes the figure's face and hands, drawing the viewer into a moment of quiet contemplation or study. Rijn utilized thick, textured impasto in the highlights of the clothing and flesh, contrasting sharply with the deep, enveloping shadows of the background.

The sitter’s identity remains speculative, aligning with the tradition of non-commissioned character studies common in the Dutch Republic during the seventeenth century. The focused illumination and rich textural detail illustrate Rijn’s continued legacy as a preeminent painter of the era.

This significant piece is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Today, because this artwork is considered part of the public domain, high-quality prints and detailed reproductions of the painting are widely accessible globally for educational and study purposes.