Young Man, Seated, in a Velvet Beret, after Rembrandt

Young Man, Seated, in a Velvet Beret, after Rembrandt, created by Edgar Degas in 1857, is a sophisticated early print, executed in the challenging medium of etching. This impression is recognized as the only state known to have been pulled by the artist himself, marking a formative moment in his development as a printmaker. During the 1850s, the young Degas dedicated himself rigorously to studying and copying the Old Masters, a traditional but crucial form of artistic training that informed his technical discipline. This specific work is a direct tribute to, and detailed study of, the celebrated Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn.

The composition is a close-cropped, seated portrait of a man whose demeanor is introspective. His attire, particularly the soft velvet beret, immediately references 17th-century European fashion frequently depicted in Rembrandt's renowned portraits of men. Degas utilizes the etching needle to explore deep tonal contrasts, employing intricate networks of cross-hatching to create rich shadows and define the textures of the cloak and hat. This precise use of line allows Degas to mimic the dramatic chiaroscuro and psychological intensity that defined Rembrandt's portraiture.

Although an academic exercise, this piece is vital for tracing the trajectory of Degas's early career as a draftsman and dedicated creator of focused, deeply rendered portraits. The resulting print demonstrates his early commitment to complex draftsmanship. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which holds this significant work, classifies it within the artist’s formative period, a time when such preparatory prints laid the groundwork for his later revolutionary output. As an early work by Degas, this image is now part of the public domain, allowing wide access for scholarly study and general appreciation.