Ragged peasant with his hands behind him, holding a stick

The print Ragged peasant with his hands behind him, holding a stick was created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1630. This early work on paper exemplifies the artist's burgeoning mastery of printmaking, dating from the period when Rijn was actively establishing his reputation in Amsterdam.

The subject is depicted in a moment of candid observation, his ragged attire indicating poverty or hardship. The figure, a tronie or character study, stands stoically, resting on the stick held behind his back. Rijn used the economical and expressive potential of the printed line to emphasize the texture of the peasant's worn garments and the play of shadow across his face, capturing his physical state with remarkable immediacy. These detailed studies of ordinary, often marginalized people were crucial practice for the young artist, allowing him to explore human psychology and form through the medium of etching and drypoint.

As a vital example of 17th-century Dutch graphic arts, this print is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing significantly to the understanding of Rijn's development as a prolific printmaker. The lasting historical significance of the work ensures its continued study. Like many important prints produced by Rijn and his contemporaries, high-resolution reproductions of this piece are often available through public domain initiatives, providing global access to the influential early production of the Dutch master.