Accession Number
83916
Medium
Charcoal, with stumping, heightened with traces of white chalk, on blue laid paper, laid down on cream laid paper
Dimensions
40.1 × 26.6 cm (15 13/16 × 10 1/2 in.)
Classification
charcoal
Credit Line
The Leonora Hall Gurley Memorial Collection
Background & Context
Background Story
Rembrandt's Head of Menem Ben Israel is his final published work, a portrait of the Jewish rabbi and printer. This work from the final year of Rembrandt's life shows his continued engagement with Jewish subjects and his mastery of printmaking.
Cultural Impact
Rembrandt's portraits of Jewish figures reflect his engagement with Amsterdam's Jewish community.
Why It Matters
This final published work captures the dignity of the rabbi.
