Old Man with Divided Fur Cap

Old Man with Divided Fur Cap, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1640, is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking and character study. This particular impression is a fine etching enhanced with drypoint, confirming its identity as the desired first state of the work, where the delicate burr created by the drypoint needle is still fresh and rich. Rembrandt’s technical skill is evident in the delicate manipulation of lines, using the etching process to capture the coarse texture of the sitter's garment and the soft fur of his distinctive cap.

The artwork functions as an expressive portrait of an elderly man, a type of intimate character study often termed a tronie during the Dutch Golden Age. The careful rendering of the man's aging face, marked by shadow and furrowed lines, contrasts sharply with the reflective softness of the cap that gives the piece its title. Rembrandt masterfully controls the light and shadow, defining the contours of the face and emphasizing the sitter's contemplative mood. This dramatic focus on psychological depth and the individual experience of the men he portrayed made Rembrandt a paramount figure in Baroque portraiture.

This work demonstrates why Rembrandt remains one of history’s greatest printmakers, balancing technical precision with deep emotional resonance. Due to the historical and cultural significance of this image, high-quality reproductions of Rembrandt’s prints are often made available through public domain resources today, ensuring broad access to his genius. This exceptional impression of Old Man with Divided Fur Cap is held within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.