拍品专文
The identity of the sitter of this very atmospheric portrait is unknown: several names have been cautiously suggested in the literature, including Nicolaes de Bye, councillor for the King of Poland, and the fellow artist Jan Lievens. Who ever he was, the same person appears to be the model for another of Rembrandt's etchings of the same year, The Card Player (NH 193). The head of the fair sitter, caught in a contemplative state, is lightly etched and the upturned collar mostly blank, creating a strong contrast against the dark background and the elaborately etched details of his luxurious 16th century dress.
By leaving the upper and upper right edge of the background unhatched and blank towards the platemark, Rembrandt seems to deliberately reveal the illusory nature of the picture plane.
By leaving the upper and upper right edge of the background unhatched and blank towards the platemark, Rembrandt seems to deliberately reveal the illusory nature of the picture plane.