Study for Portrait of a Man in an Armchair, from Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands

Study for Portrait of a Man in an Armchair, from Collection d'imitations de Dessins d'après les Principaux Maîtres Hollandais et Flamands is a drawing created in 1826 by Christian Josi, after an original composition by Rembrandt van Rijn. This 19th-century work represents a significant academic effort to document and disseminate the techniques and compositions of the Dutch Golden Age masters. Josi executed this piece using the specialized method of red chalk counterproof on tracing paper, highlighting the commitment to fidelity required for his comprehensive publication project.

The creation of a counterproof is a reproductive technique where an existing drawing is carefully pressed against damp paper to yield a precise, mirrored impression. Josi utilized this painstaking process to ensure that the delicate line work and shading of Rembrandt's original sketch of a seated man were accurately preserved. Rooted deeply in the art historical traditions of the Netherlands, this study showcases the dramatic handling of light and form characteristic of Rembrandt’s portrait sketches, likely intended as preliminary material for a larger oil painting or etching.

This meticulous reproduction confirms Josi’s dedication to understanding and reproducing the nuance of the earlier master’s hand. The drawing captures the contemplative posture of the subject, whose details are rendered through subtle modulations of red chalk. This detailed piece resides in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars insight into the pedagogical importance of copying and the dissemination of historical compositions during the period. Like many works from such collections, high-quality images and educational prints of this material are often made available through the public domain.