Titus at His Desk by Rembrandt van Rijn - 1655 - 63 x 77 cm RijksmuseumnameMuseum Boijmans Van Beuningen Titus at His Desk by Rembrandt van Rijn - 1655 - 63 x 77 cm RijksmuseumnameMuseum Boijmans Van Beuningen

Titus at His Desk

Oil on canvas • 63 x 77 cm
  • Rembrandt van Rijn - July 15, 1606 - October 4, 1669 Rembrandt van Rijn 1655

This delightful image might capture Rembrandt's son, Titus, at around 14 years old, lost in thought while leaning over his papers. His gaze seems to wander into the distance as he holds a pen thoughtfully in one hand, with an inkwell and pen case in the other. The painting stands out for its stunning use of light, the harmonious triangular composition, and the bold, almost expressionistic brush strokes in the foreground.

Titus van Rijn, born in 1641 and living until 1668, was Rembrandt's sole surviving child from his first marriage to Saskia. He is fondly remembered not only for appearing in many of his father's paintings and studies but also for his role in a notable legal case regarding his inheritance.

We present today's work thanks to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, whose exceptional collection is on show at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam until January 14, 2024. If you are around, don't miss it!  :)

P.S. Rembrandt is considered one of the absolute masters of Western art history. If you would like to surround yourself with more amazing masterpieces, please check out our 2024 DailyArt Calendars; they are a perfect start to your year!  :) 

P.P.S. Get to know Rembrandt's art in 10 of his paintings! Do you know them all? Some are bit less known than the others. For more on Rembrandt's art, see the articles below.