Bust of an Old Man in a Coat and Fur Collar (copy) 1615 - 1725

This is an etching of an old man in a coat and fur collar by Rembrandt van Rijn. Made in the Dutch Republic in 1630, the portrait's medium gives a clue to its cultural context. Etching was a relatively democratic medium, capable of producing multiple copies. Its accessibility resonated with the values of the Dutch Republic, which was unique in Europe for its republicanism and tolerance. Rembrandt was a master of the etching technique and became a renowned artist within the Dutch art market. The old man's fur collar indicates a certain level of wealth, while his weathered face and contemplative expression suggest a life of experience. Here we can ask: who was this man, what was his social position? To understand this work more fully, we might consult period inventories, auction records, and biographies. Art history, like history itself, depends on understanding the complex interplay of culture and context.