Old man shading his eyes with his hand

Old man shading his eyes with his hand is a sensitive print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1639. Executed simply on paper using pencil, this intimate study demonstrates Rijn's enduring fascination with the nuanced observation of the human figure, especially elderly subjects. The artwork captures an elderly man in a specific, momentary pose: shielding his eyes with his hand, an action that powerfully suggests the presence of intense light or an outdoor setting. This type of preparatory study allowed Rijn to analyze human emotion, posture, and the effects of light on the form, often serving as critical foundational material for his larger painted and etched compositions.

Although simple in its chosen medium-a pencil sketch on paper classified as a print-the drawing exhibits the dramatic understanding of illumination for which the artist is renowned. The precise placement of the shading hand creates a natural division of light and shadow, allowing Rijn to explore depth and volume using minimal means. This focus on realistic, often poignant, depictions of common people defined much of the artist's output during the Dutch Golden Age. As one of the many important works on paper preserved from the 17th century, this piece currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to its historical significance and age, high-quality digital prints of this remarkable work are often available through public domain sources, allowing wider scholarly and public access to the mastery of Rijn’s draftsmanship.