Thomas Haaringh (Old Haaringh)

Thomas Haaringh (Old Haaringh) by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a profound example of the artist's late graphic output, created between 1650 and 1660. Executed through the demanding combination of etching and drypoint on paper, this print showcases the innovative methods Rembrandt employed to achieve dramatic tonal richness. Unlike pure etching, the addition of drypoint allowed the Dutch master to pull deep burr, creating rich, velvety shadows around the figure, characteristic of his mature style in the prints he produced in the Netherlands during the Golden Age.

The artist focused on capturing the gravitas and interiority of the elderly subject, whose identity is firmly established as Thomas Haaringh, likely a member of the clerical or legal establishment in Amsterdam. Rembrandt deliberately used deep shadow to emphasize the contours of Haaringh’s face and attire. This technique grants the image an extraordinary sense of immediacy and psychological depth, cementing Rembrandt’s reputation as the preeminent portraitist of his era, able to convey complex character through limited line work and intense contrast.

This exceptional example of graphic work, classified specifically as a print, offers insight into the subtle shifts occurring within Dutch portraiture during the mid-seventeenth century. It stands as a critical record of Rembrandt’s technical prowess during his later career. This impression of Thomas Haaringh (Old Haaringh) is held in the prestigious collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and due to its age and historical importance, high-quality reproductions of this artwork are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its continuous study by art historians and enthusiasts worldwide.