Old Man with a Gold Chain
Rembrandt van Rijn, 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.
| Artist | Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669) |
|---|---|
| Medium | Oil on panel |
| Size | 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 |
| Type | Painting |
| Museum | Art Institute of Chicago · museum page |
| Rights | Public domain (CC0): free to download, print and hang. |
The original is 30 × 33 in. Will it fit your wall? →
More by Rembrandt van Rijn
All Rembrandt van Rijn →
The Agony in the Garden
Seated Female Nude
The Star of the Kings: A Night Piece
The Adoration of the Shepherds: A Night Piece
The Adoration of the Shepherds: A Night PieceMore portrait
All portrait →
Portrait of an ArtistFollower of Frans Hals
Self-PortraitVincent van Gogh
Julia JacksonJulia Margaret Cameron
The Captive Slave (Ira Aldridge)John Philip Simpson
Édouard ManetHenri Fantin-Latour
Madame de Pastoret and Her SonJacques Louis David
Portrait of a Man with Gray HairSir Henry Raeburn
Francesco de' MediciAlessandro AlloriArt prints in the shop
All prints →Framed and unframed prints from US makers, shipped from US stock. Not this work unless the listing names it.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Image, title, dates, medium and the note are the Art Institute of Chicago's own records, released under CC0; nothing on this page is written by us beyond the links.