Early portraits (until 1632)

Rembrandt began to work as a professional portraitist about 1631. Representing historical figures on a grand scale, following the example of the highly acclaimed artists as Rubens and Van Dyck, was a great challenge for the young painter.

The thoughtful portrayal of old people of both sexes is a conspicuous feature of Rembrandt's work, especially in his Leiden years. He also often represented old people singly. The models in these paintings are sometimes represented in their own persons, but more often they are dressed in one or more of the exotic costumes which Rembrandt accumulated and kept in his studio wardrobe.