Titus

The print Titus by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from 1656, is a profound and intimate example of the artist's mature graphic work. This particular impression, classified as a print, is notably rendered on delicate Japanese paper, a medium Rijn often favored during his late period to enhance the richness and tonal depth of the shadows produced by the etching and drypoint techniques. The use of handmade paper results in a warm tone and subtle surface texture distinct from impressions pulled on typical European paper stocks.

The subject is widely identified as Titus van Rijn, the artist’s only surviving son, who was approximately fifteen years old at the time this image was created. The piece is less a commissioned portrait and more an intense psychological study, showcasing Rijn’s ability to convey character through sparse, focused lines and controlled light. The mastery demonstrated in the delicate rendering of light and shadow is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age and ensures its standing as a major contribution to 17th-century graphic arts.

This significant artwork is held in the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it serves as a critical reference for understanding Rijn’s evolving printmaking style in the 1650s. The enduring quality and technical innovation of works like Titus have allowed high-resolution images of the prints to enter the public domain, facilitating global accessibility and study of the master’s innovative draftsmanship.