The minister Johannes Wtenbogaert is standing beside a table upon which lies an open manuscript. It is as though he has interrupted his studies to turn to look at the viewer. Rembrandt's use of light directs the viewers attention towards Wtenbogaert's wrinkled face, the bright expression of his eyes, his grey beard and his snow-white, pleated ruff. The open manuscript also catches the light. Wtenbogaert was one of the most important religious leaders of the Dutch Golden Age. The young Rembrandt painted this imposing and lively portrait in 1633, at a time when he was well on the way to becoming one of Amsterdam's most celebrated portrait painters. He signed the painting with his first name, Rembrandt.
[Oil on canvas, 130 x 103 cm]
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