Ragged peasant with his hands behind him, holding a stick

The work Ragged peasant with his hands behind him, holding a stick was created by Rembrandt van Rijn around 1630. This compelling study of everyday life is executed as a print on paper, a medium that Rembrandt enthusiastically explored during this pivotal phase of his career. Although the exact technique is generally classified as a print, Rijn was known to use etching and drypoint to achieve the dramatic tonal shifts and precise character studies visible here.

The subject is a humble, perhaps destitute man, depicted standing frontally in a posture that conveys both weariness and quiet strength. His ragged attire and the rough texture of his garment are meticulously rendered through the skillful manipulation of line, defining the character of the common folk often overlooked in traditional high art. Rijn frequently focused on such realistic genre subjects during the 1630s, utilizing his graphic works as opportunities to practice capturing profound psychological states and realistic human features.

This piece demonstrates Rijn’s evolving ability to capture texture and emotion, elevating a simple genre scene into an enduring character portrait. Produced during the height of the Dutch Golden Age printmaking, this print remains a significant example of Rijn’s graphic output and is a testament to his humanistic approach to art. The work is currently held in the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. As many such historical prints by the Dutch master are now considered part of the public domain, this image is widely accessible for study and appreciation.