Follower of Rembrandt van Rijn – Head of Saint Matthew National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The painting presents a close-up portrait of a bearded male figure, rendered in a style characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro and thick impasto. The subject is positioned against a dark, almost black background that serves to intensify the focus on his face and upper torso. Light falls from an unseen source, illuminating the right side of his visage and highlighting the texture of his skin and hair.
Here we see a man with deeply lined features, suggesting age and perhaps hardship. His beard is full and unkempt, painted with visible brushstrokes that create a sense of volume and tactile quality. The artist has employed a warm palette – ochres, browns, and touches of yellow – to depict the skin tones, while darker shades are used to model the shadows and emphasize the contours of his face. A dark cap or hood obscures much of his hair, adding to an air of solemnity and introspection.
The gaze is directed downwards, conveying a sense of humility or contemplation. The mouth is partially visible, hinting at a subtle expression that could be interpreted as sadness, resignation, or perhaps quiet resolve. The application of paint is loose and expressive; the brushwork is not intended to create smooth surfaces but rather to convey a feeling of immediacy and emotional intensity.
The composition’s simplicity – a close-up study focusing solely on the head and shoulders – suggests an emphasis on psychological depth over narrative detail. This concentrated focus invites viewers to consider the subjects inner life, his experiences, and his spiritual state. The overall effect is one of profound gravity and quiet dignity, evoking a sense of reverence for the individual depicted. There’s a deliberate avoidance of overt ornamentation or embellishment; instead, the artist seems interested in capturing the essence of human character through careful observation and skillful manipulation of light and shadow.