The Card-player, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1641
etching, h 90mm × w 83mm More details
This could almost be a snapshot. The man studies his cards closely and selects the one he wants to lay down. The shadow cast behind him is caused by a lamp or candle just outside the picture plane. The fluid, sometimes even chaotic style gives the impression that this copperplate was etched with great speed. Did Rembrandt etch it on the spot?
