Portrait of a Man
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), ca. 1655–60
About this artwork
This striking *Portrait of a Man*, by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn around 1655–60, the artist's profound skill in Baroque portraiture during the Dutch Golden Age. Oil on canvas, measuring 32⅞ × 25⅜ inches, it captures the sitter with intense realism and emotional depth, a hallmark of's mature style. Acquired through the Marquand Collection and to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1890, it resides in the European Paintings departmentRembrandt's innovative use of chiaroscuro—dramatic contrasts of light and shadow—draws the viewer's eye to the man's face, illuminating his thoughtful gaze and textured features. Broad, expressive brushstrokes and layered glazes create a lifelike skin tone and fabric folds, showcasing oil painting's versatility for psychological intimacy. This period marked Rembrandt's financial struggles and artistic evolution toward looser, more improvisational techniques. As a quintessential example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture, the work reflects the era's emphasis on individual character over idealization, inviting visitors to ponder the man's identity and inner life. A testament to Rembrandt's enduring legacy, it reminds us of art's power to humanize history.