Bust of an old man with a fur cap and flowing beard, nearly full face

The detailed print, Bust of an old man with a fur cap and flowing beard, nearly full face, was created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1631. Executed on paper, this work demonstrates the artist’s early mastery of the graphic medium. The fine lines and rich shadows suggest the use of etching or drypoint techniques, skillfully utilized by Rijn to achieve complex textural contrasts and dramatic tonal range. The subject, viewed nearly full-face, is defined by his impressively voluminous, flowing beard and the detailed texture of his distinctive fur cap, conveying an air of gravitas and experience.

The intensity of the gaze, combined with the detailed rendering of the beard and the heavy cloak, places this piece within the popular 17th-century tradition of Dutch tronies—character studies or expressive heads intended to explore types or emotions rather than serve as formal portraits of identified sitters. Rijn employed deep shadows and sharp highlights, a characteristic handling of chiaroscuro that lends dramatic depth to the figure’s aged features. These early prints quickly became highly sought-after collector items throughout Europe.

This important example of Rijn’s prolific graphic output, which includes over 300 etched works, is held in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum. As an invaluable piece of historical art, high-resolution prints of this image are frequently made available through public domain archives, allowing researchers and the public access to the detailed artistry of the Golden Age master.