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Notes

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This man is wearing the habit of an order of monks founded to follow the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi. His pose, eyes cast down and apparently lost in thought, reflects the Franciscan way of life – one of simplicity and prayer. This may be a portrait of an individual friar, or perhaps a tronie – a popular genre of painting depicting interesting character types instead of identifiable individuals.

Rembrandt made at least four other paintings and sketches on similar Franciscan themes, an unusual subject for a Protestant painter in a city where Catholic worship was technically banned. But, despite the ban there were two thriving Franciscan churches on the street where he lived. Although they had to hold services in ‘private’, Rembrandt must have known about them, and was clearly interested in the order which had such a strong presence in his neighbourhood.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

A Franciscan Friar

Date

about 1655

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 89 x W 66.5 cm

Accession number

NG166

Acquisition method

Presented by Duke of Northumberland, 1838

Work type

Painting

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Rembrandt van Rijn

1606–1669

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