Standing Oriental Figure 1615 - 1699

Rembrandt van Rijn created this pen and brown ink drawing entitled "Standing Oriental Figure". Made in the Netherlands, this drawing reflects the Dutch Republic's vibrant trade relations with the East. Exoticism was fashionable, and dressing up in oriental clothing was a popular pastime among the wealthy. Rembrandt frequently incorporated such costumes into his history paintings and portraits, adding an aura of the exotic to his compositions. However, this wasn't just a case of cultural appropriation. The Dutch Republic was also a major center of Orientalism, and Rembrandt and his peers were genuinely interested in learning about Eastern cultures. Libraries and collections of costumes were valuable resources, allowing artists to study and depict them with some accuracy. To truly understand this drawing, historians can consult period travelogues, costume books, and records of Dutch trade with the East. By examining the social and cultural context in which it was created, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Rembrandt's artistic vision.