Portrait of a Gentleman with a Tall Hat and Gloves

The painting, Portrait of a Gentleman with a Tall Hat and Gloves by Rembrandt van Rijn, was executed between 1656 and 1658. This work belongs to the critical latter half of the 17th century, a time frame classified here as 1651 to 1700, reflecting the mature phase of the Dutch Golden Age. Originally created using oil on canvas, the piece underwent a demanding conservation procedure later in its history, requiring the careful transfer of the paint layer onto a new canvas support. This technical detail speaks to the longevity and enduring importance of the work.

The subject, depicted in three-quarter length, wears the severe, dark clothing typical of the wealthy elite in 17th-century Dutch society. His imposing, tall hat dominates the upper composition, drawing the viewer’s eye, while the inclusion of the gentleman’s gloves held loosely in one hand serves as a subtle indicator of his social status and propriety. Rijn’s technique in this era moved away from the sharp, meticulous detail of his earlier period, focusing instead on thick, textural applications of paint (impasto) in the highlights, particularly on the face and the expressive quality of the hands. This strategic use of controlled lighting and deep, subtle shadows characterizes his late style of portraiture.

The artist expertly conveys a profound sense of quiet authority and psychological depth, qualities that define his most celebrated work from the mid-1650s onward. This significant example of Dutch master painting is housed within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. While the original resides in the museum, the enduring fame of Rijn ensures that high-quality prints derived from images of the artwork are widely available through public domain resources, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study the subtlety of his late career.