The Seventeenth Century Dutch game of "kolf", which lent its name to the modern game of golf, was very popular in Rembrandt's lifetime. In this light-hearted etching, Rembrandt creates an atmosphere of a sunny afternoon golf game.  A golf player is depicted pushing a ball, with two men talking in the background and a contemplative gentleman sitting in a tavern in the foreground.  Rembrandt's use of chiaroscuro heightens the contrast of a few select areas of light and shadow and brilliantly focuses the viewer's eye on the figures in this etching. In 1654, the year this etching was completed, Rembrandt's companion, Hendrickje Stoffels, gave birth to their daughter Cornelia.

"The Golf Player"  B. 125         

  Signed and dated Rembrandt f. 1654   
3-11/16” x 5-9/16”          

  Second and final state   

   Posthumous Impression, 1998