This is probably George Rhyn's most important portrait. We are confronted with an old man with a long white beard and a gleaming, knowing glance. Is it Rumpelstilstkin from fairy tales? It is obviously someone very wise; we could say erudite because of the many books surrounding him. Even though his body is too small for his head, we focus on it, especially the brown trousers and white hands. It is obvious that this man is a scholar and knowledge is of great importance to him. He has allowed his body to get small, to the point of disappearing, just so he could focus on his studies. The door in the background, leading to a nicely lit kitchen, symbolizes the call of everyday life, which has its own charm and duty. We must not underestimate the good and kindly nature of this man, along with his eruditeness. He symbolizes all that is good in people, which is something George Rhyn relentlessly researched.