Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand c. 1639

Curator: This print, dating from around 1639, is Rembrandt van Rijn's "Old Man Shading His Eyes with His Hand," housed here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: My immediate impression is of overwhelming darkness, almost oppressive. The deep blacks really make you feel the weight of age, of weariness. Curator: Absolutely, the strategic use of shadow is key here. Rembrandt leverages etching techniques to manipulate light and darkness to heighten emotional depth, as we can note from the figure's dramatically obscured face, forcing viewers to fill in the narrative gaps, if you will. Editor: And what do we make of that narrative? To me, this image speaks to the culture of academic scholarship during the Dutch Golden Age, the sort of life steeped in thought that simultaneously inspires and burdens an individual. Do you see this figure as embodying the costs of such intellect? Curator: Yes, one may view it from this context; however, focusing purely on composition, one may analyze how Rembrandt guides our gaze from the shadow and the face, to the books around, to a sculpted face and the light near the window to explore all of what is available in between each element. Editor: Interesting contrast there. I'm drawn to the setting too. Note the detailed fur trim and academic garments juxtaposed with his introspective action - these symbols of status point to an engagement with public life but he seemingly is more interested in personal matters. Curator: Observe how the cross-hatching enhances the texture of the man's cloak, further enriching our encounter. Editor: Ultimately, I think Rembrandt's skill in creating empathy truly connects this old man across centuries to viewers today. Curator: Indeed. We depart with a heightened appreciation of form meeting feeling and Rembrandt meeting us in thoughtful dialogue across the ages.