Rembrandt was believed to have been inspired by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. In this particular portrait, Rembrandt’s inclusion of a hooked thumb makes reference to one of Ruben’s pieces, indicating he was drawing on techniques and styles from other Netherlandish artists of his time. The majority of the frame is overtaken by the man’s figure, emphasizing his large presence in relation to the overall size of the painting. Such qualities indicate that the painting serves the purpose of embellishing the man’s reputation by portraying him in a superior manner. In comparison to Rembrandt’s earlier portraits, this work is of a much larger scale. When experiencing the piece in a gallery setting, it’s large size gives the viewer a sense of inferiority. This is further emphasized by the use of negative space; the absence of scenery in the background ensures that the viewer’s gaze is not distracted from the main
Rembrandt was believed to have been inspired by the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens. In this particular portrait, Rembrandt’s inclusion of a hooked thumb makes reference to one of Ruben’s pieces, indicating he was drawing on techniques and styles from other Netherlandish artists of his time. The majority of the frame is overtaken by the man’s figure, emphasizing his large presence in relation to the overall size of the painting. Such qualities indicate that the painting serves the purpose of embellishing the man’s reputation by portraying him in a superior manner. In comparison to Rembrandt’s earlier portraits, this work is of a much larger scale. When experiencing the piece in a gallery setting, it’s large size gives the viewer a sense of inferiority. This is further emphasized by the use of negative space; the absence of scenery in the background ensures that the viewer’s gaze is not distracted from the main