Rembrandt van RijnDutch, 1606–1669The Kolf Player
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Kolf Player” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
This is one of Rembrandt's almost bizarrely ambiguous inventions. He presents a tavern with an outdoor area for kolf, a game played with a ball and a stick that rests somewhere between field hockey and croquet. One player is about to shoot the ball, while two others seem to await their turns. The seated man in the foreground idles away in heavy shadow. What are we to make of the space? Who is inside, and who is out? Are we looking at a wall or some indication of a reverie? Whatever the case, this is one of the finest examples of this particular etching to survive.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- P.96.21
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
In the life of Rembrandt van Rijn
The whole life1631–1669 · Workplace
Amsterdam
1639–1658 · Residence
Rembrandt House Museum
1648–1652
Pupil: Nicolaes Maes
1654
Birth of His Daughter Cornelia
In 1654 Rembrandt and Hendrickje's daughter Cornelia was born; the parish council censured Hendrickje for "sinful cohabitation" with the artist.
1654
Daughter born: Cornelia van Rijn
July 1656
Declaration of Insolvency
Under pressure from creditors, Rembrandt declared himself insolvent (cessio bonorum) in July 1656 and voluntarily surrendered his property; by that time he had already transferred the house to his son.
