Man with a Beard

Though generally accepted by Rembrandt scholars until about 1940, this canvas was considered an eighteenth-century imitation by F. Schmidt-Degener in 1935. Supporting this view is the sketchy execution, which is superficially similar to that found in Rembrandt's "study heads" painted on a much smaller scale; the light chalk ground and the man's collar appears fancifully to adopt an older Dutch form. The palette, the loose brushwork, and the frontal presentation of the figure recall Rembrandt's style of about 1665. The date is inscribed on the picture, but the simple application of parallel brushstrokes, resulting in flat and insubstantial forms, the awkwardly abrupt contrasts of light and shade, and, finally, the absence of any convincing indication of personality or thought are entirely alien to the master's mature manner. Quite a few Rembrandt imitations and forgeries date from the eighteenth century in England, where this painting was first recorded in the collection of Sir William Knighton (died 1836). (Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art)