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Debate Rages: Is Rembrandt’s ‘Old Man’ Autograph Replica?

3/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Art historian Gary Schwartz argues that a painting long considered a workshop copy of Rembrandt's Old Man with a Gold Chain may be an autograph replica by Rembrandt.
The debate centers on two nearly identical paintings displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago, including a second painting on loan from Sir Francis Newman.
The Art Institute maintains the painting is a workshop reproduction, although recent analyses support Schwartz's claims.

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Story summary

Art historian Gary Schwartz argues that a painting long considered a workshop copy of Rembrandt's Old Man with a Gold Chain may be an autograph replica by Rembrandt.
The debate centers on two nearly identical paintings displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago, including a second painting on loan from Sir Francis Newman.
The Art Institute maintains the painting is a workshop reproduction, although recent analyses support Schwartz's claims.