Portrait of an Old Man in Red (1654) by Rembrandt

Portrait of an Old Man in Red - Rembrandt - 1654

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of an Old Man in Red
ArtistRembrandt
Date1654
Dimensions108 x 86 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia

About Portrait of an Old Man in Red

“Portrait of an Old Man in Red” is a Baroque portrait by Rembrandt, created in 1654. This artwork measures 108 x 86 cm and is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The painting presents an elderly man, set against a dark, vaguely defined background. The subject is depicted half-length, looking directly out of the painting with a gaze that captures the observer’s attention, hinting at a mix of wisdom and introspection. The man’s facial features are rendered with fine detail, particularly the folds and lines of his aged skin, which carry a sense of lived experience and gravity.

Rembrandt’s mastery of chiaroscuro is evident through the use of light and shadow in this work, emphasizing the volume and texture of the man’s face and clothing. The man is dressed in a deep red garment which is richly detailed, notably around the collar area. The light catches the folds of his attire and the ruff around his neck, which is painted with an attention to the delicate lace textures. He wears a dark beret-style hat, and his bearing is dignified.

The deft handling of paint and the realistic depiction of the old man’s features are characteristic of Rembrandt’s work, who is renowned for his portraits that capture the humanity and emotional depth of his subjects. This painting is a strong representative of Rembrandt’s technique and his contribution to the Baroque movement’s emphasis on drama, detail, and emotion.

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