Thomas Haringh (‘Old Haring’)

Thomas Haringh (‘Old Haring’) by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from 1655, is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch prints. This intimate portrait, classified as a print, is executed on rare Japanese paper, a specialized medium the artist frequently favored in his later career for its fine texture and ability to capture subtle tonal variations and achieve rich, velvety blacks.

The subject, Thomas Haringh, was a prominent figure in Amsterdam's art world, widely known as an auctioneer and print dealer. Rijn created this likeness in the mid-1650s, a period when his printmaking technique, characterized by a sophisticated interplay of etching and drypoint, reached its technical apex. The composition emphasizes deep shadow and expressive line work, highlighting the character and status of the sitter. The delicate fibers of the handmade Japanese paper enhance the luminescence of the ink, lending the piece a distinct, high-quality finish compared to works printed on standard European supports.

This exceptional impression of Thomas Haringh (‘Old Haring’) is held within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it serves as a critical example of Rijn’s late-period mastery. The work is considered highly significant both for its technical innovation on the chosen medium and its documentation of important figures in the artist's professional circle. Due to the artist's enduring legacy and the image's eventual public domain status, this print remains an essential reference for students of 17th-century Dutch art.