Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
Dutch, 1606­1669
Old Man with a Gold Chain
c. 1631
Oil on panel
83.1 x 75.7 cm
Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Kimball Collection, 1922.4467
 
Rembrandt was a Dutch artist famous for capturing the individual spirit of the people he painted. Typical of his style, a dramatic light shines on the right half of this man’s face and highlights the gold chain.

The gentleman’s plumed hat and metal neck plate seem to indicate a person of high stature and military rank. But in reality, this man was one of Rembrandt’s favorite models. His clothing came from a collection of costumes Rembrandt kept in his studio for models to wear while posing.