Sheet of studies of men's heads: old man seen from behind, profile right: half-figure

The work Sheet of studies of men's heads: old man seen from behind, profile right: half-figure was executed by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1629. Classified as a print on paper, this piece exemplifies Rijn's early interest in detailed character studies, a common practice during his Leyden period. The composition is structured as a concentrated collection of anatomical and expressive observations, typical of the preparatory studies he produced for reference and training purposes.

The sheet contains several distinct representations of elderly male subjects. A prominent feature is the detailed depiction of an old man seen from behind, contrasting sharply with a vigorous profile view to the right. This specific exploration approaches the definition of a tronie—a head study focused on capturing a vivid expression or characteristic type rather than a specific known individual. Rijn’s mastery of the print medium allows for striking textural detail, particularly in the rendering of the hair and beard, crucial for differentiating the varied emotional states explored on the single page. These exploratory studies were foundational to the development of his later, larger compositional works.

Dating from the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this valuable print offers unique insight into the preparatory and instructional methods of one of art history's most renowned figures. This important work is meticulously preserved within the distinguished collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, ensuring its continued study and public accessibility. As many early prints by Rijn are now recognized as being in the public domain, works derived from this prolific era remain widely influential for artists and art historians alike.