Page 77 - Highlights of the Collection

Rembrandt van Rijn [1606–69]
Head of a Young Man

with Clasped Hands: Study
of the figure of Christ

Netherlands, Amsterdam, 1648-56
25.5 × 20.1 cm, oil on oak panel

This work is part of the group of Figures of Christ,
alongside six other sketches depicting the same young
Highlights of the Collection man with black hair. As with the other identified

drawings, it reveals how the artist sought the best
angle or profile for the use of light. The model used
to represent Jesus probably came from the local
Jewish community in the neighbourhood where
Louvre Abu Dhabi Rembrandt lived. The subject suggests a new type of
representation in the Christian world, with Rembrandt
choosing to depict a man in prayer rather than a
majestic sovereign, thereby underlining the humility
of man in an ecumenical manner.

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