Portrait of Gerard de Lairesse
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), 1665–67
About this artwork
In the late 1660s, Rembrandt van Rijn, unparalleled master of the Dutch Golden, captured the likeness of fellow artist Gerard de Lairesse in striking oil-on-canvas portrait. around 1665–, the painting measures 44 3/8 x 34 1/2 inches and now graces the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art De Lairesse, a painter and influential art theorist known for his classical ideals, gazes directly at the viewer with a poised intensity, his elegant attire and powdered wig reflecting the refined tastes of Amsterdam's intellectual circles during this prosperous era. Rembrandt's late style shines here through his signature chiaroscuro—dramatic contrasts of light and shadow that sculpt de Lairesse's face with emotional depth and psychological insight. Thick impasto strokes add texture to the subject's skin and garments, conveying a sense of immediacy and humanity. This period marked Rembrandt's artistic maturity, post-financial ruin, when he focused on intimate, character-driven portraits rather than grand commissions. A testament to the camaraderie among 17th-century Dutch artists, this work highlights Rembrandt's enduring genius for elevating the everyday to the profound, inviting viewers to ponder the shared ambitions of creator and subject alike.