Portrait Of Cornelis Claesz 1640

This ink drawing was made by Rembrandt van Rijn, though the date of its creation is unknown. Here, the artist used ink and wash, and what’s especially great about the use of these materials is the contrast between the relative looseness of the application, and the formality of the subject. You see this tension in the ink, where the varying saturation and texture across the paper bring a lively energy to the artwork, and the lines create expressive shapes. The drawing captures the essence of Dutch society, particularly the rise of the merchant class. The sitter’s material wealth is clear, shown by the luxurious fur, wide brimmed hat, and leather shoes with bows. This drawing serves not just as a portrait, but also as a visual representation of status and economic power in 17th century Netherlands. Ultimately, the careful application of ink and wash in this drawing shows how closely materials, techniques, and society are intertwined, and how the use of humble materials such as ink can be used to create a window into wealth and prestige.