 The best explanation for the long-standing misinterpretation of the "Philosopher in Meditation" lies in the fact that, in the second half of the 18th century, it was sold together with a pendant of identical size (28 x 33.5 cm) that presented similar motifs—including a spiral staircase—and that was also attributed to Rembrandt.The paintings were exhibited together and titled interchangeably "Philosophe en méditation" and "Philosophe en contemplation", or referred to simply as the "Philosophes".The companion painting shows an old man in a vaulted interior seated in front of a table at a window on which we can see books, a globe, and a crucifix.