The Artist's Son, Titus (copy)

"The Artist's Son, Titus (copy)" by Rembrandt van Rijn is an evocative etching dating from the period 1651-1661. This print, likely executed by a member of the artist's busy workshop based on a lost original, captures the tender image of Titus van Rijn (1641-1668), Rembrandt’s only surviving son, during his late childhood or early adolescence.

The work is classified as a historical print, demonstrating the technical skill of 17th-century etching, a medium in which Rembrandt himself was a celebrated innovator. The technique allows for fine lines and nuanced cross-hatching to create delicate shading and model the subject's features. The intimate treatment of the subject places this piece firmly within the tradition of personalized Dutch Golden Age portraits of boys, elevating what might otherwise be a simple study into a moment of psychological insight.

While the exact authorship of this specific copy is often debated among scholars, the quality reflects the enduring popularity and prevailing artistic standards of Rembrandt’s studio. The subject appears thoughtful, perhaps reflecting the introspection that defined the artist's later period. This work offers valuable insight into the production methods of 17th-century master prints. This significant example of Dutch portraiture resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a treasured piece of art history that, like many public domain works from this era, remains essential for academic study.