Standing Man Seen from the Side, his Right Arm Raised

About this artwork

…; purchased from the dealer Charles Fairfax Murray (1849-1919), London, as Rembrandt, with three other drawings, by Dr Cornelis Hofstede de Groot (1863-1930), The Hague, 1902;{Hofstede de Groot notes, KB.} by whom donated to the museum, 1906, but kept in usufruct; transferred to the museum (L. 2228), 1930

Art Historical Context

Behold *Standing Man Seen from the, his Right Arm Raised a delicate drawing by Willem Drost, a promising artist of the Dutch Golden Age (. 1650–1655). Drost, active in Rembrandt's Amsterdam studio, captures a dynamic male figure in profile, arm aloft in a gesture suggesting motion or drama. This intimate study, just 86 × 51 mm, exemplifies quick, expressive sketches favored by 17th-century Dutch masters for exploring anatomy and pose before larger paintings. Crafted with reed pen and two shades of brown ink, enhanced by brown wash for depth and opaque white for highlights, the work showcases virtuoso techniques of the era. These materials allowed fluid lines and subtle tonal modeling, evoking volume on a tiny scale—hallmarks of Rembrandt's circle, where Drost trained. Such drawings were prized as independent works, blending study and artistry. Its history adds intrigue: acquired in 1902 by scholar Cornelis Hofstede de Groot as a Rembrandt from dealer Charles Fairfax Murray, it was later reattributed to Drost. Donated to the museum in 1906 (fully transferred 1930), it reflects the evolving expertise of art connoisseurs, reminding us how Rembrandt's influence blurred lines among his pupils. A gem of technical finesse and historical detective work!

About the Artist

Willem Drost · 1633–1659

Dutch, late 17th or early 18th century