William Pether (English, 1731/38-1821)
after Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669)
The Rabbi
INV-1390
William Pether (English, 1731/38-1821)
after Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669)1778
mezzotintprint
Date
1778
Medium
Mezzotint on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 45.7 × 35.4 cm (18 × 13 15/16 in.); Plate: 50.8 × 35.5 cm (20 × 14 in.); Sheet: 55.3 × 39.5 cm (21 13/16 × 15 9/16 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Elizabeth Hammond Stickney Collection
Like his contemporaries, William Pether used mezzotint to disseminate important master paintings. In this case, he copied Rembrandt van Rijn’s distinctively posed, stoic rabbi. Mezzotint was an ideal medium with which to reproduce Rembrandt’s composition, with its dramatic, Baroque use of chiaroscuro. Not only does mezzotint retain these qualities, but its rich undertones also add to the spotlighted effects. With a touch of theatricality, the portrait focuses on his craggy features. The rabbi is statuesque, demanding reverence from those before him.