Head of an Old Man in a Cap

This painting, described at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, depicts an elderly man with a furrowed brow, downy beard, and dark eyes. It is characterized by Rembrandt's early style, featuring thick, unblended strokes and scratches made with the butt-end of the paintbrush to convey individual hairs. The painting is illuminated from above and conveys a sense of piety and sagacity. It is signed with the monogram 'RHL' for 'Rembrandt Harmenszoon Leidensis'.

Head of a Bald, Old Man

This painting, dated to 1632, is housed at the Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister in Kassel, Germany. It shows a bald, old man and is noted for its detailed and expressive portrayal. The original size of the painting is 48.7 x 40.2 cm. This work is another example of Rembrandt's focus on the human face and emotion.

General Characteristics

Rembrandt's portraits of old men often feature strong, directional lighting and a deep exploration of emotion and character. These works were part of his broader contribution to the genre of tronies, which were character studies devoid of narrative attributes, focusing instead on light, emotion, and the particulars of the human face.