Jan van Vliet executed this etching as part of a series of six tronies (character studies) after expressive heads by Rembrandt. As a group, they illustrate a range of emotions, from delight to grief, in narratively neutral environments. The prominent inscription of “RH inventor”—Rembrandt Harmensz. (van Rijn) inventor—acknowledges Rembrandt’s authorship of the original painting. Such reproductive prints served to expand the renown of aspiring painters through their wide circulation. Van Vliet would have also benefitted from his association with Rembrandt—Leiden’s rising star.