In this painting, Rembrandt turned his attention to the subject of old age, a recurring theme in his work that was also the focus of a large number of self portraits.
The identity of the figure in the painting is, however, unknown.
The rich costume that he is wearing gives no indication of the old man’s occupation or social status.
Rather, it appears to be an accessory belonging to the painter’s studio that he used as a powerfully effective decorative element.