Rembrandt with a Plumed Hat

The drawing Rembrandt with a Plumed Hat by After Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is an 18th-century work executed on tan laid paper, now housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Although the famed Dutch master died in 1669, the drawing was produced between 1700 and 1799, demonstrating the enduring influence of the artist’s dramatic portraiture style decades after his death. The work depicts a figure in theatrical costume and headwear, echoing the celebrated self-portraits and character studies (tronies) by 1606-1669, where the artist often employed exotic costume to explore emotion and light.

Classified specifically as a drawing, this meticulous piece was created using black crayon combined with pen and black ink. The artist utilized the expressive technique of stumping, wherein the black crayon pigment is rubbed or blended to create subtle transitions and deep shadows. This careful manipulation of medium results in a pronounced atmospheric quality, simulating the complex chiaroscuro effects characteristic of the original oil paintings produced during the Dutch Golden Age. The specific technique and approach suggest this drawing may have served as a detailed study aid for an aspiring artist in the Netherlands, or perhaps as a high-quality reproduction intended for private collecting.

Works produced in this manner demonstrate the high regard held for the legacy of 1606-1669 during the subsequent century, fostering a continued market for images based on his known compositions. While the original inspirations for this drawing may today be considered public domain, this drawing stands as a unique reflection of artistic admiration and the practice of copying masters during the 18th century. The work, a critical example of posthumous artistic study, remains part of the permanent drawing collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.