Male nude, seated and standing

Male nude, seated and standing, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1646, is a seminal example of the artist's intense focus on the human form. Classified as a print on paper, this work demonstrates Rijn's mastery of etching techniques during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. The composition presents two distinct views of the same model: one figure is seated, perhaps resting or preparing, while the other stands dynamically, allowing the artist to explore posture and musculature from multiple angles within a single sheet. This practice of studying the nude was essential for artists developing anatomical expertise, reflecting the shift toward observational drawing in 17th-century Amsterdam.

The draftsmanship visible in this piece reveals Rijn’s characteristic use of light and shadow, often achieved through varying depths of line in the etched plate. While the exact function of the Male nude, seated and standing may have been preparatory or instructional, it remains a powerful example of the artist's dedication to realism and unidealized representation. Unlike many contemporaries who favored smoothed, classical figures, Rijn renders his model with an observable humanity and weight.

The print, dated precisely to the mid-1640s, belongs to a period when Rijn was experimenting heavily with printmaking materials and textures. This historically significant work is currently held within the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing to their vast holdings of 17th-century Dutch master prints. Due to its age and cultural importance, high-resolution images of Rijn's masterful etchings are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access for researchers and art enthusiasts worldwide.