Despite the popularity of the Man with the Golden Helmet, which has been attributed to Rembrandt, there has been an increasing body of evidence casting doubt on its authorship since the 1960s. The helmet with its thickly applied paint and sharply reflected light particularly show an exaggeration of Rembrandt’s method of expression. The dark, almost graphic appearance of the face is also not compatible with Rembrandt’s signature style. During restoration in the 1980s, the painting was subjected to a thorough technical examination, the results of this investigation support the reservations expressed regarding its authorship in terms of style.
The Man with the Golden Helmet
oil on canvas • 67.5 x 50.7 cm
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Rembrandt van Rijn