Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap

The work titled Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch etching. Executed during the core years of the Dutch Golden Age, between 1634 and 1644, this print showcases Rembrandt's profound skill in utilizing the etching process to achieve remarkable textural depth and atmospheric density. The technique involves incising the design onto a copper plate via acid and then inking and pressing the plate to create the final image on paper. This piece exemplifies the high standard of printmaking championed by the artist and his contemporaries.

The subject is a compelling portrait of an aging man, likely intended as a character study or tronie, rather than a commissioned likeness. Rembrandt focuses intensely on the sitter's expression, emphasizing the deeply set eyes and the subtle lines of aged skin. The man is distinguished by the titular divided fur cap, a garment frequently depicted in period art, which serves to frame the face and heighten the dramatic contrast of light and shadow, characteristic of Rembrandt’s graphic output. This study of a specific head type reflects the era’s fascination with capturing emotional states and human experience in art.

This important etching remains a crucial part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing Rembrandt’s extensive output in prints. Unlike his large canvases, these smaller etchings were widely circulated and highly sought after by collectors across Europe. Given the historical significance of the image, high-quality reproductions of this etching are frequently available through various public domain art initiatives, ensuring its accessibility for academic study and appreciation worldwide.