Jan Cornelisz Sylvius,the Preacher 1644 - 1645

Rembrandt van Rijn's "Jan Cornelisz Sylvius, the Preacher" is a pen and brown ink sketch from 1644-1645, depicting a seated man engaged in reading. The quick strokes, characteristic of Rembrandt's style, emphasize the lines of the figure, particularly the prominent nose and strong features of the preacher. The detail of the seated figure in a chair and leaning over a book creates a sense of intimacy and observation, a testament to Rembrandt’s masterful use of light and shadow even within the limits of a simple sketch.