Painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1653 for the Sicilian nobleman Don Antonio Ruffo — a rare commission from a Dutch master to an Italian patron — 'Aristotle with a Bust of Homer' shows the golden-robed philosopher in a darkened study, his hand resting on the blind poet's marble head in contemplative silence. A medallion bearing the profile of Alexander the Great hangs from his wrist, setting up a meditation on wisdom, worldly fame, and the costs of serving power. It is widely considered one of the supreme psychological portraits of Rembrandt's late career.

Exhibition Venue

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Manhattan, United States