Rembrandt could capture, as no other artist, the physical and psychological character of aged men and women. As evident in Bust of a Bearded Old Man, the elderly fascinated Rembrandt for their expressive physical qualities and underlying humanity. Rembrandt painted this compelling oil sketch with powerful and dynamic brushstrokes and, though using a limited palette, with pronounced contrasts of light and dark. Bust of a Bearded Old Man is the smallest known painting by Rembrandt, and the only grisaille by the artist in private hands. Title Bust of a Bearded Old Man Creator Rembrandt van Rijn Date Created 1633 Physical Dimensions 8.9 x 6.4 cm Type Painting Rights Image courtesy of The Leiden Collection, New York Medium oil on paper, mounted on panel Art Genre Tronie
