Portrait of a Man

The man in this portrait is most likely Cornelis van Beresteyn (1586-1638), a wealthy burgomaster (mayor) of Delft. His sober expression and restrained pose make this piece unlike the portraits of Amsterdam society for which Rembrandt became best known. In these, he depicted the wealthy and powerful in such a way as to make them appear less formal, more accessible. Unmistakable though, is Rembrandt's signature use of light and darkness and his remarkable ability to suggest texture in flesh and clothing, such was his genius for detail.