The print Old man shading his eyes with his hand was created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1639. Executed on paper, this work exemplifies Rijn's profound ability to capture intense psychological depth and the dramatic effects of light and shadow using precise line work. As a significant output from his highly productive Amsterdam period, the piece demonstrates his continued experimentation with graphic techniques during the height of the Dutch Golden Age.
The subject is depicted in a close-up format, utilizing his hand to shield his eyes from a harsh, bright light source. This gesture allows Rijn to explore deep contrasts, employing the delicate gradations of the print medium to evoke the chiaroscuro effects characteristic of his oil paintings. The precise rendering of the figure's aged skin and expressive posture suggests that this study functioned as a tronie, focusing less on the specific identity of the sitter and more on the universal emotions and physiological states associated with old age.
This exceptional example of Rijn’s 17th-century graphic output is held in the renowned collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The mastery evident in this 1639 work continues to solidify the artist's reputation as one of history's greatest printmakers. Due to its cultural significance and age, this artwork is frequently studied, and high-quality prints are often accessible through various museum and public domain archives.
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