Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand

Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand is a nuanced example of graphic work by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1639. Classified as a print, this powerful study utilizes the complex media of etching and drypoint, techniques that allowed Rijn unparalleled freedom and nuance in executing line and shadow. The piece exemplifies the psychological realism central to the Dutch Golden Age, specifically within the period 1601 to 1650, when Rijn was rapidly innovating his approach to printmaking.

The subject is an elderly man whose face and posture convey deep character. He is depicted in the act of shielding his eyes from an unseen, intense source of light. This simple, evocative gesture allows Rijn to demonstrate his remarkable control over illumination. The rich, velvety blacks achieved through the drypoint technique emphasize the folds of the man’s clothing and the deep shadows under the brim of his hat, contrasting sharply with the illuminated skin of his face and hand. The dramatic use of light and dark heightens the emotional resonance of the figure, turning a quick study of expression into a timeless human moment.

Rijn was known for producing hundreds of such portrait prints, which served both as preparatory studies and marketable commodities in 17th-century Amsterdam. The expressive use of line in this work demonstrates why Rijn is considered one of history’s greatest etchers. Today, this significant piece is part of the distinguished collection at the National Gallery of Art. As a major masterwork from the 17th century, high-resolution reproductions of the work are often available through the public domain, ensuring its continued study and appreciation globally.