Old Man Shading his Eyes with His Hand

"Old Man Shading his Eyes with His Hand" is a poignant graphic work by the Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn. Executed in the demanding technique of etching and drypoint, this print showcases Rijn's experimental and sophisticated approach to intaglio processes, dating approximately from 1634 to 1644. This period marks the apex of the artist's career in Amsterdam and aligns with the flourishing print market that defined the culture of the Netherlands during the Golden Age.

The subject is a character study, focused intensely on the aging male figure whose simple gesture of shielding his eyes creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The drypoint technique, characterized by the use of a sharp point dragged across the copper plate, lends a distinctive, fuzzy texture known as burr, visible particularly in the deepest shadows and the contours of the man’s garment. Rijn masterfully uses this medium to explore psychological depth, allowing the deep chiaroscuro to emphasize the contemplative or distressed expression beneath the shading hand.

This detailed handling of light and texture is characteristic of Rijn's most celebrated prints. The print is currently housed in the distinguished collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Like many of the artist's foundational works on paper, this piece demonstrates why Rijn is considered one of the greatest printmakers in history, ensuring that his influential techniques remain a subject of study, often accessible today through high-quality public domain reproductions.