A Rabbi with a Cap Dated 1635
Oil on panel | 72.6 x 62.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 405519
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This portrait is painted on a rare hardwood, a species of ‘Cordia’ only found in tropical parts of America, which has been carved into a panel for a door before being used as a painting support. 1635, the date inscribed on the painting, represents a very early date for the introduction of such wood into Europe.
Having been enjoyed as a Rembrandt for many years this painting (along with many others by the artist) has recently experienced some reversals of fortune - accepted by some and rejected by others. The most recent scholarly judgement has argued in favour of the traditional attribution to Rembrandt, pointing out that the brushwork describing the face has a freshness and vigour associated with Rembrandt’s work. There are some passages which are less fully described, such as the eye in shadow, but this is typical of Rembrandt's works of this date, as his Belshazzar's Feast (National Gallery, London), which are characterised by expressive energy rather than laborious finishing. The signature also appears to be original.
Inscribed: 'Rembrandt / f. 1635'Provenance
Acquired by George III in 1762 as part of the collection of Joseph Smith, British Consul in Venice (Dutch and Flemish List, no 24), who may have acquired it from the painter, Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini
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Creator(s)
Previously attributed to (artist)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on panel
Measurements
72.6 x 62.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
92.0 x 81.2 x 8.1 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Man in an Exotic Costume
A Jewish Rabbi