Bust of an Old Man with a Fur Cap and Flowing Beard, Nearly Full Face

The Bust of an Old Man with a Fur Cap and Flowing Beard, Nearly Full Face is an intense etching on paper created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, during the approximate span of 1626-1636. This early period marks the onset of Rembrandt's prolific career, during which he extensively explored the technical possibilities inherent in printmaking. The selection of etching allowed the artist to achieve remarkable texture in the fur and subtle gradations of shadow, essential for detailing the aged face and the luxuriant flow of the beard.

This piece belongs firmly to the Dutch tradition of the tronie, a term for character studies that focused on capturing generalized human types rather than identifying specific sitters. Rembrandt frequently utilized these studies of elderly models to practice variations in expression, costume, and dramatic lighting effects. The deep shadows contrast sharply with the illuminated features, emphasizing the subject's contemplative gaze and the realism of his age.

The flowing, graying beard and rich fur cap lend a timeless, almost historical or biblical quality to the figure, characteristic of subjects popular in the Netherlands during the Golden Age. The skillful execution of this specific print exemplifies Rembrandt's early commitment to rendering human character through the etching medium. The master's command of light and shadow, even in small-scale graphic works, foreshadows his later monumental achievements. Today, this important work of Dutch culture is classified as a print and resides in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.