Christ Healing the Sick (‘Hundred Guilder Print’)

Christ Healing the Sick (‘Hundred Guilder Print’) by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to 1648, is arguably the most famous and complex of the artist's graphic works. Rendered specifically on Japanese paper, this magnificent print exemplifies the technical and narrative heights achieved during the Dutch Golden Age. The subject depicts various moments recounted in Matthew 19, focusing on Christ ministering to the sick, blessing children, and engaging in discourse with the Pharisees. The work’s informal title, the ‘Hundred Guilder Print,’ reflects the extraordinarily high price the piece commanded during Rijn’s lifetime, indicating its immediate historical recognition as a masterpiece.

Rijn utilized a complex combination of etching, drypoint, and often engraving techniques to create this piece, expertly deploying a dense interplay of shadow and light that structures the composition. The choice of specialized media, particularly the fine Japanese paper, was critical, as it allowed the artist to achieve richer, warmer tones and highly nuanced areas of ink saturation compared to standard European papers of the period. This technical brilliance enabled Rijn to portray deep emotional engagement across a wide spectrum of society in the Netherlands, from the wealthy observers and the skeptical legalists to the poorest supplicants seeking aid.

The profound spiritual and artistic significance of this piece ensures its continuing status as a cornerstone of European prints. Its narrative complexity and dramatic lighting have influenced generations of graphic artists. A pristine impression of this work resides within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, solidifying its place as a central component of Dutch cultural heritage. Due to its age and importance, high-quality images of this print are frequently found in the public domain, allowing widespread access to Rijn's definitive vision.