Bust of an Old Man in a Coat and Fur Collar (copy) by Rembrandt

Bust of an Old Man in a Coat and Fur Collar (copy)

Rembrandt

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“Stop to appreciate this intimate portrait of an old man, whose expressive face and rich attire are brought to life through the detailed etching technique, offering a glimpse into human character.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This etching captures an older man, his face etched with age, looking directly out at us. His heavy coat, with its rich fur collar, suggests both warmth and a certain status, though his expression holds a quiet solemnity. The play of light and shadow, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age, emphasizes the texture of his fur and the deep lines around his eyes, giving him a palpable presence. While this particular print is a copy, it reflects a common practice of the time, where popular images were reproduced, allowing more people to engage with and appreciate the artistry of works like those by Rembrandt, whose original etchings often explored similar themes of human character and age.

DETAILS
Artist
Rembrandt
Medium
Etching
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Sheet (Trimmed): 6 1/8 × 4 15/16 in. (15.5 × 12.6 cm)
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Bust of an Old Man in a Coat and Fur Collar (copy)
01

The deep fur collar, rendered with intricate lines.

02

The subtle wrinkles and lines around the man's eyes.

03

The way light falls across his forehead and nose.

04

The texture of his heavy coat, suggested by varied shading.

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AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through Bust of an Old Man in a Coat and Fur Collar (copy) — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST

Rembrandt

1606–1669 · Dutch Republic

Rembrandt painted ~40 self-portraits across his life, creating history's most intimate visual autobiography.

Read Rembrandt’s full story
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EXPLORE THE MOVEMENT

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