One of Rembrandt's finest works is on display at Bermuda National Gallery for two weeks from today.

'Portrait of a Bearded Man in a Red Doublet' (1633) has been loaned to the Island in a move arranged by Butterfield Bank.

It is considered among the best examples of the Dutch master's portraits and was produced during his first years in Amsterdam when he was one of the most sought-after portrait painters in Europe.

The identity of the man in the painting, which was discovered in 1930 in a private collection in England, is unknown but thought likely to be a foreign soldier living in The Hague.

According to a statement from Butterfield Bank, his costume is very different from the black attire usually worn by Rembrandt's Amsterdam patrons. It is believed that the red doublet with braid fastenings has military significance.

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-69) is considered by many to be the greatest artist of the Dutch School. He was a master of light and shadow with paintings characterised by exquisite brushwork and rich colour, while his numerous portraits and self-portraits are said to exhibit a profound understanding of the character of his subjects.

Alan Thompson, president and CEO of the bank said: "Supporting the arts is a key part of our community focus. We are extremely pleased that we've been able to arrange for a limited-time exhibition of this important and rarely seen work.

"Having an original work from a 17th Century European master shown in Bermuda is very exciting and we hope the whole community takes the opportunity to visit the National Gallery for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

BNG Chairman Gary Phillips said: "We, the trustees of the Bermuda National Gallery, are delighted to be able to work with Butterfield Bank to present this extraordinary original work of art by one of the great European masters. It is consistent with the museum's mission to bring the world of art to Bermuda and we hope to be able to display more great works at the BNG in the coming months and years.

"Bringing a painting of this rarity to Bermuda is a complex and highly sensitive operation. We are extremely grateful to Butterfield Bank whose foresight and focus on promoting the arts in our community resulted in this wonderful exhibition.

"The Gallery wishes also to acknowledge the cooperation of Bermuda Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Collector of Customs and her staff, along with the staff and advisers of the Gallery who have helped make this exhibit possible."