Painting considered workshop copy is in fact by Rembrandt, expert says

"Gary Schwartz concluded that both portraits, despite one being labeled a copy, are by Rembrandt. He emphasized the quality of the brushwork and the practice of artists creating replicas of their own works."

"In 1699, a French near-contemporary of Rembrandt noted that many Dutch painters repeated their works, either for personal satisfaction or customer requests, indicating a common practice of replication."

"Schwartz expressed excitement over the possibility of re-evaluating many paintings if Rembrandt indeed created the contested version, suggesting it opens up new avenues for art historical research."

A portrait in a UK collection, previously considered a workshop copy of a Rembrandt painting, is now believed to be an original work by the master. The two portraits, both titled Old Man with a Gold Chain, have been reunited for the first time in nearly 400 years. Scholar Gary Schwartz argues that both paintings are by Rembrandt, citing the quality of brushwork and the practice of artists creating replicas of their own works. The contested portrait was purchased as a Rembrandt in 1898, raising questions about the artist's methods.

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