Sheet of Studies including Head of the Artist, a Beggar Couple, Heads of an Old Man and Old Woman

Rembrandt van Rijn

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a partial etching of a person's face and shoulders, positioned in the upper half of the composition, with the head slightly turned to the viewer's right. The face features curly hair that extends outward, partially shadowing one of the eyes, and a soft expression with faint outlines and shading. The individual wears a wide-brimmed hat which casts shadows across the face. Below the main portrait are sketch-like figures, loosely drawn, suggesting other possible figure studies or incomplete works, with lines crossing and intersecting without definitive features. The background is an unfilled, light-toned space that highlights the etched lines without any detailed context or scenery.