Old Man Seen from Behind, Profile Right: Half-Figure

The Old Man Seen from Behind, Profile Right: Half-Figure is a pivotal early print created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, demonstrating his revolutionary command of the etching medium. Executed between 1624 and 1634, during a period of intense technical experimentation in the Netherlands, this piece highlights the artist's developing interest in capturing specific human character types. As a skilled printmaker, Rembrandt utilized the etching needle to render the coarse texture of the man's heavy cloak and the subtle details of his aging profile, focusing meticulously on line weight and shadow rather than broad illustrative strokes.

The work focuses intimately on the half-figure of an older gentleman. The composition, which obscures the subject mostly from the viewer, emphasizes Rembrandt’s skill in suggesting form through contrast and dramatic chiaroscuro often seen in the Dutch Golden Age. Many of the artist’s early character studies, often referred to as tronies, feature such models. These quick, intense etchings served as practice for expression and costume, frequently preceding their application in larger narrative paintings. The deep, dark lines across the figure contrast sharply with the lighter background, showcasing the unique painterly quality the artist brought to his graphic prints.

The quality and execution of this piece have ensured its enduring legacy among collectors and scholars of 17th-century graphic art. Today, the work is classified as a print within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because the original etching and many related studies are now considered part of the public domain, this imagery remains highly influential for artists and scholars studying the evolution of graphic art during the Dutch Golden Age.