The First Oriental Head

The First Oriental Head by Rembrandt van Rijn; Dutch 17th Century; Jan Lievens, created circa 1635, is a significant example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking. This work utilizes the technique of etching, complemented by areas of drypoint, which adds a velvety, rich burr to specific lines, creating deep, textured shadows. The piece exemplifies the intense exploration of human character and dramatic illumination typical of the Leiden and Amsterdam workshops during the Dutch Golden Age.

This study falls within the category of the tronie, or head-study, popular among artists in the 1630s. Rather than depicting a specific, identifiable sitter, the artist focused on capturing a strong expression or costume detail. The titular "Oriental Head" references the exoticized clothing and elaborate turban, allowing the artist greater expressive freedom. Lievens, known for his ability to translate tonal complexity into graphic form, uses sharp contrasts between light and shade to emphasize the figure’s pensive or melancholy expression, aligning this print stylistically with the innovations in portraiture pioneered during the 1601 to 1650 period.

The dramatic lighting highlights the face and features against a deep, heavily inked background, a technique that demonstrates the technical mastery of etching and drypoint achieved by the Dutch masters. The execution reveals the artist’s acute focus on texture, visible in the handling of the beard and the fabric of the headdress. As a master print from this critical period, the work showcases why Lievens was considered a major talent alongside his contemporary, Rembrandt. This important piece is maintained within the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of its historical context and age, high-quality prints and materials related to this artwork are often available in the public domain.