The Fourth Oriental Head

"The Fourth Oriental Head" is an evocative etching created around 1635, attributed jointly to the circle of Rembrandt van Rijn; Dutch 17th Century; and Jan Lievens. This intricate print belongs to a series of character studies focusing on physiognomy and elaborate, often historical or foreign, costume-a popular genre known as the tronie during the Dutch Golden Age. Executed in the complex medium of etching, the work demonstrates the technical mastery characteristic of both Lievens and Rembrandt during this crucial artistic period spanning 1601 to 1650. The print highlights the dynamic artistic exchange between the two Leiden-based masters, who often shared models and explored similar dramatic lighting techniques in their early careers.

Lievens's treatment of the subject utilizes deep shadows and highly modulated lines to create a powerful sense of psychological presence. The figure is likely rendered in theatrical or historical garb, reflecting the contemporary fascination with foreign types and dramatic narrative, often associated with biblical or historical scenes. As a key example of Dutch printmaking from the first half of the 17th century, the etching technique employed provides rich textural detail, particularly in the rendering of the fabric and the subject’s intense expression. This piece exemplifies the focus on psychological depth and the dramatic use of chiaroscuro that defined artistic production in the Netherlands during this specific era.

The original impression of this historically significant piece resides within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The careful documentation and preservation of important 17th-century prints such as The Fourth Oriental Head ensure its continued accessibility for scholarship. Today, due to the efforts of major institutions, high-quality images of this remarkable etching are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, allowing art enthusiasts worldwide to study the profound influence of the Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Lievens.