Portrait of a Boy
1655-60
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669)
On View

In its unfinished state, this exceptional picture offers invaluable insight into Rembrandt's working method. Over the rich, dark ground, the body and costume have been indicated merely with a few broad, sure brushstrokes. The collar, hair and head have been developed further, with layers of scumbles and glazes, while the face, particularly the eyes, has been fully modeled and highly finished. The child's face, bathed in an even, frontal light, radiates from the velvety darkness of the background. This unusually straightforward presentation reflects and enhances the engaging charm and openness of the ingenuous child, who eagerly presents himself to the viewer.

Details

  • Artist Name: Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669)
  • Title: Portrait of a Boy
  • Date: 1655-60
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 25-1/2 x 22 in. (64.8 x 55.9 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
  • Accession Number: F.1965.2.P
  • Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation

Object Information

Anonymous collection, near The Hague, sold to;
Mr. Barker, sold ca. 1830 to;
George Spencer (1758-1834), 2nd Earl Spencer, Althorp, Northamptonshire, by inheritance to his son;
John Charles (1782-1845), 3rd Earl Spencer, Althorp, Northamptonshire, by inheritance to his son;
Frederick Spencer (1798-1857), 4th Earl Spencer, Althorp, Northamptonshire, by inheritance to his son;
John Poyntz Spencer (1835-1910), 5th Earl Spencer, by inheritance to his brother;
Charles Spencer (b. 1857), 6th Earl Spencer, Althorp, Northamptonshire, sold September 1915 for £35,000 to;
Sir Herbert Frederick Cook (1868-1939), 3rd Bt., Doughty House, Richmond, Surrey, gift to his son;
Sir Francis Ferdinand Maurice Cook (b. 1907), 4th Bt. And Visconde de Monserrate in Portugal, Le Coin, Jersey, C.I., gift to his seventh wife;
Dame Bridget Brenda Cook (sale, London, Christie’s, 19 March 1965, lot 105, sold to);
The Norton Simon Foundation.

The National Portrait Exhibition

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Additional Artwork by Artist

Beggar Leaning on a Stick, Facing Left Rembrandt van Rijn c. 1630
Christ at Emmaus: the Larger Plate Rembrandt van Rijn 1654 (Basan impression)
Clement de Jonghe, Printseller Rembrandt van Rijn 1651

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