The Sheet of studies of men's head: old man in fur coat and high cap is a captivating study sheet created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1629. Classified as a print on paper, the work belongs to Rijn's prolific early period, coinciding with his move toward independent studio practice. This intimate piece focuses intensely on characterization, featuring a detailed study of an older man wrapped in a fur coat and wearing a distinctive high cap. Such character studies were essential preparation for larger narrative scenes, allowing the artist to meticulously capture expressions and textures before integrating them into complex compositions.
During the Dutch Golden Age, Rijn was known for pioneering expressive printmaking techniques. Although technically a preparatory study, this piece exhibits the characteristic attention to shadow and light that defined the artist's style, demonstrating his mastery of capturing the psychological depth of his subjects. The precise dating of 1629 places the work immediately before the height of Rijn's fame in Amsterdam. As a frequently referenced early example of Rijn’s draftsmanship and use of the printing press, high-resolution reproductions of these historical prints are often found in the public domain, making the work widely accessible to scholars and enthusiasts globally. The work is a significant holding within the renowned Rijksmuseum collection.