Portrait of a Man
1632
Rembrandt was just 26 and fresh off a move to Amsterdam when he painted this serious-looking gentleman. That gigantic, stiff white ruff collar wasn't just fashion; it was a massive status symbol, basically the 17th-century equivalent of wearing a Rolex to show you had money. The dramatic lighting, where the face glows against a dark, moody background, shows off his early mastery of chiaroscuro. It’s likely this portrait was originally paired with one of a woman, as wealthy couples often commissioned matching sets to show off their status.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
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