Boy Lighting a Pipe c. 1650 - 1655

"Boy Lighting a Pipe" is a drawing by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, dating back to the mid-17th century. The piece, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a young man, possibly a self-portrait, in the act of lighting his pipe. The loose, gestural lines of the drawing create a sense of immediacy and capture the movement of the boy as he leans forward, his hand reaching for the candle. The drawing is a prime example of Rembrandt's masterful use of light and shadow, which gives the composition a sense of depth and drama, characteristic of his work. The drawing is a testament to Rembrandt's keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.