Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap

Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a profound example of the artist’s mastery of graphic media. Executed in 1640, this work utilizes both etching and drypoint techniques on ivory laid paper, showcasing the subtle gradations and rich tonality possible through combined methods. The subject is rendered with deep expressive detail, a hallmark of Rembrandt’s approach to portraiture and character studies during the height of the Dutch Golden Age in the Netherlands.

The subject is typical of Rembrandt's non-commissioned studies, often referred to as tronies, where the artist used anonymous figures to explore human emotion, texture, and light without the constraints of formal portraiture. The piece focuses intently on the facial features of the elderly man, whose gaze conveys a sense of quiet introspection. The eponymous divided fur cap provides textural contrast to the deep lines etched into the face. This print exemplifies Rembrandt's shift toward using denser, more controlled cross-hatching and the burr of the drypoint needle to create dramatic shadows and highlight the psychological depth of his sitters.

As one of the most important printmakers of the seventeenth century, Rembrandt continuously refined his technical approach, exploring the capacity of the etching and drypoint process to achieve both delicate definition and velvety blacks. The clarity and sharpness of line visible in this piece confirm its quality as a fine impression. The enduring artistic popularity of these character studies has ensured that Rembrandt’s numerous prints remain influential references for artists globally. This remarkable piece is permanently held within the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.