Arnold Tholinx, Inspector (reverse copy)

The work titled Arnold Tholinx, Inspector (reverse copy) by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is a detailed print executed using the demanding technique of etching. Although the original subject dates back to the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the execution timeframe listed, 1620-1966, suggests that this specific piece is a later reproduction or copy of Rembrandt’s influential portraiture. The classification as a "reverse copy" indicates that the original plate or print used for reproduction resulted in a mirrored image of the subject, a frequent occurrence when recreating prints outside of the artist's direct supervision.

The subject is Arnold Tholinx, a figure of civic importance in 17th-century Amsterdam, captured in a formal setting characteristic of Rembrandt’s commissioned portraits. Tholinx is portrayed wearing the customary garments of the era, notably the severe dark coat and large, brimmed hats common among prosperous men in the Netherlands. Rembrandt was renowned for the psychological depth he instilled in his subjects, and even in this reverse print, the intense focus on Tholinx’s character and expression remains clear.

As a significant example of reproduced prints, this etching aids in documenting the widespread dissemination of Rembrandt’s most famous works throughout Europe. The piece is part of the distinguished permanent collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The continuous reproduction and study of these historical prints across centuries means that works derived from Rembrandt’s 17th-century originals often enter the public domain, ensuring global access to the output of the master portraitist.