Abraham Francen, apothecary

Abraham Francen, apothecary by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1657, is an intimate and highly accomplished portrait print executed during the artist’s most prolific period of printmaking. The subject, Abraham Francen, was not only an apothecary by trade but also a close personal friend of Rijn and a distinguished collector of art and prints in Amsterdam.

Rijn executed this masterful print using the demanding combined medium of etching and drypoint. This specific impression is printed on delicate Japanese paper, a specialized, expensive material the artist frequently favored in his later career. Japanese paper’s distinctive properties absorb ink uniquely, allowing Rijn to achieve a rich tonal range and enhance the deep, velvety burr created by the drypoint technique, which lends exceptional depth and shadow to the composition.

Unlike the formal commissioned portraits of the era, Rijn presents Francen in a moment of thoughtful contemplation. The environment—surrounded by his collection of prints and drawings—emphasizes his status as a serious connoisseur and reflects the shared artistic interests between the subject and the painter. The skillful manipulation of light, characteristic of Rijn’s mature style, draws focus to Francen’s expressive face and contemplative pose.

The original etching is classified as a significant example of 17th-century Dutch prints and resides in the comprehensive collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to the historical nature and age of the work, high-resolution images of this print are widely available in the public domain, ensuring broad access to the enduring genius of Rijn’s draftsmanship.