Study of a Man, Seen from Behind

The Study of a Man, Seen from Behind by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from the years 1629-1630, exemplifies the early development of the Dutch Golden Age master. Executed meticulously in chalk on paper, this drawing serves as a foundational example of Rijn's commitment to life studies and anatomical observation. The choice of chalk allowed the artist to explore texture and the fall of light quickly, essential skills he would translate into his later etching and painting techniques.

The work depicts a male figure viewed from the rear, focusing intently on the heavy drapery and the bulk of the form. Such studies were typically preparatory sketches, intended for subsequent use in larger historical or genre scenes, demonstrating the artist’s pragmatic approach to his craft. Created in the Netherlands during a period of intense artistic experimentation and commercialization, this piece reflects the high demand for realistic, expressive character studies that defined 17th-century art in Amsterdam.

This intimate drawing is preserved in the distinguished collection of the Rijksmuseum. It illustrates the technical proficiency Rijn achieved early in his career, establishing the standard for figure drawing. High-quality prints derived from the original artwork are often sought after, allowing broader access to Rijn’s mastery of line and volume, even after nearly four centuries. The survival of this fragile drawing confirms the importance placed upon the preparatory process by this pivotal figure in the history of art.