Rijksmuseum

A Scholar in his Study (‘Faust’)

Date

c. 1652

Medium

Japanese paper (handmade paper)

Institution

Rijksmuseum

This depiction of a scholar transfixed by a vision is an allegory of faith. The apparition before the window embodies the divine wisdom that mankind can understand only indirectly and imperfectly. Rembrandt nevertheless has the supernatural light visibly bathe the man’s head and shoulders. This impression is printed on Japanese paper, giving it a warm, pleasing tone.

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