Bust of an Old Man with Flowing Beard: the Head Inclined Three-Quarters Right

Bust of an Old Man with Flowing Beard: the Head Inclined Three-Quarters Right by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) is a compelling example of the artist’s early mastery of printmaking. Executed in 1630, this highly detailed study is an etching, a medium Rembrandt would utilize and redefine throughout his career in Amsterdam. This specific impression, held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, represents the New Holl.'s first state of two, showcasing the pristine detail and intensity of the initial plate before subsequent revisions.

The piece functions as both a detailed portrait and an intimate character study of age and contemplation. The subject, an elderly man defined by his dramatically flowing beard, is shown in a three-quarters pose, slightly inclined to the right, which adds a sense of immediacy and naturalism to the composition. Rembrandt uses the etching needle to create rich, expressive lines that define the texture of the hair and the deeply furrowed brow.

This highly contrasted lighting, often associated with the tronie (a Dutch term for a characteristic study of a face or head), imbues the man with psychological depth. Rembrandt, renowned for his ability to capture the nuance of human emotion, elevates the portrait beyond a simple likeness toward an examination of human experience. As a pivotal work from the artist’s prolific print output, this image is frequently referenced in studies of 17th-century Dutch art. The preservation of the first state provides invaluable insight into Rembrandt's artistic process, and today, high-quality reproductions of these influential prints are often available through public domain archives. This work remains a cornerstone piece within the Met’s extensive holdings.