Bust of an Old Bearded Man, Looking Down, Three Quarters Right

"Bust of an Old Bearded Man, Looking Down, Three Quarters Right" is an exemplary print created by the master draftsman Rembrandt van Rijn in 1631. This intimate portrait is rendered through the meticulous technique of etching on laid paper. Rijn’s early career mastery of printmaking is evident here, where he utilized the needle to capture the subtle textures of the subject's face and beard with remarkable precision. The etching medium allowed Rijn exceptional freedom in developing shadow and fine line work, defining the figure's intense internal focus and expression.

The subject, an elderly man with a long, flowing beard, is depicted looking downwards, emphasizing a sense of contemplation or deep introspection. This focus on detailed character studies of aged figures was typical of Rijn’s practice during the early 1630s, often resulting in works known as tronies—studies focused purely on expression or character rather than specific identifiable portraits. This approach provided the Dutch artist with material to explore various human emotions and physical characteristics for future, larger commissioned works.

Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age (within the period 1601 to 1650), this piece reflects the high standards of realism and psychological depth characteristic of Dutch Baroque art. This specific print illustrates Rijn’s continued experimentation with dramatic contrasts of light and shade, crucial elements in his repertoire. As one of the celebrated prints from the seventeenth century, the image is widely studied today. This original impression resides in the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical significance, high-resolution reproductions of the work are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its wide accessibility for scholars and enthusiasts worldwide.