Old Man with a Gold Chain

1631

In his character studies, Rembrandt explored the effect of a single figure, made dramatic through the use of rich, subtle lighting and costumes, which the artist collected to transform his models. Here, the gold chain and steel gorget suggest an honored military career, while the plumed beret evokes an earlier time. The unidentified sitter, once thought to be the artist’s father, was a favorite model.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669)

Date

1631

Medium

Oil on panel

Dimensions

83.1 × 75.7 cm (32 3/4 × 29 3/4 in.); Framed: 105.1 × 99.5 cm (41 3/8 × 39 3/16 in.)

Origin

Holland

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Kimball Collection