This work exemplifies Rembrandt's remarkable depiction of human character and represents a major step in Rembrandt's experimentation with the etching medium. The small shifting eyes of the young man, who may have been a pupil of Rembrandt's, depict Rembrandt's view of the persona of a card player.

 Until this time, Rembrandt had used drypoint to highlight textures. In this etching, he explores the richness of tonal effects by the use of drypoint and burnishes. The depth of the shadows behind the young man serves to highlight the features of the subject. This young man is also the subject of Rembrandt's etching "Man at a Desk Wearing Cross and Chain". 

“The Card Player” B. 136

  Signed and dated Rembrandt f.1641
3-1/2"x 3-1/8”    

  Second and final state  Posthumous Impression, 1998