Men in oriental dress and two studies of a beggar in the half figure 1645

This 1645 pen and ink drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn depicts a group of figures, some in oriental dress, others in more typical European garb. The artist is known for his masterful use of light and shadow, as well as his ability to capture the human form with great expressiveness, even in his sketches. The figures in this drawing are rendered with a sense of immediacy, as if they were captured mid-conversation. The composition is also interesting, with the figures arranged in a loose, informal manner, allowing for a sense of depth and space. This type of drawing was popular in the 17th century, and Rembrandt's work in this genre is considered to be among the finest.