Thomas Haaringh (Old Haaringh)

Thomas Haaringh (Old Haaringh) is a masterful portrait created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1655. This powerful image is classified as a print, executed primarily using the demanding techniques of drypoint and burin. Produced toward the latter half of the 17th century, specifically within the period 1651 to 1700, this piece exemplifies the peak of Dutch graphic arts during the Golden Age, demonstrating the artist’s unparalleled skill in rendering human psychology through line and shadow.

Rijn was internationally renowned for his innovation in printmaking, constantly experimenting with the plate to achieve deep textural contrasts. Drypoint, which involves scratching directly into the copper plate with a needle, leaves a characteristic burr that holds ink, resulting in rich, velvety lines that quickly wear down. The careful, precise application of the burin suggests that Rijn aimed for areas of controlled tonality and strong contrast in the final impression. This work exhibits the profound psychological depth characteristic of Rijn’s late period, capturing the sitter’s character through subtle facial expressions and expertly controlled light and shade.

The subject, Thomas Haaringh, was likely connected to the artist’s inner circle in Amsterdam. As with many of Rijn's mature portraits from this era, the focus is less on conventional status and more on the internal life and dignity of the individual. Its creation occurred during a difficult decade for the artist, yet his artistic output, particularly his highly valued prints, remained unparalleled. This historically significant work, a quintessential example of Dutch portraiture from the era, is currently preserved in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of its cultural importance and classification within the public domain, high-quality prints and reproductions of this celebrated artwork are widely accessible today for scholarship and appreciation.