Christ Healing the Sick (‘Hundred Guilder Print’)

Christ Healing the Sick (‘Hundred Guilder Print’) by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from circa 1648, is arguably the most famous print created by the Dutch master. Executed on Japanese paper, a specialized, delicate support that Rijn often utilized for his finest impressions, this etching and drypoint work showcases the artist's mature technique. The exceptional detail and tonal richness achieved in this piece led to its high valuation during the 17th century, earning it the celebrated moniker, the "Hundred Guilder Print."

The complex composition illustrates the account from the Gospel of Matthew 19, where Christ welcomes the poor and the sick while simultaneously engaging in debate with the Pharisees. Rijn masterfully organizes a large crowd, placing Christ centrally under a strong, focused light source. This dramatic chiaroscuro contrasts the illuminated, receptive figures-the ailing, the humble, and the children-with the shadowed, critical figures, such as the wealthy man and the stern Pharisees, highlighting the spiritual and moral tension of the scene.

This landmark example of 17th-century Dutch prints is renowned for its technical complexity, involving multiple biting processes and heavy use of drypoint to create deep, velvety blacks. Rijn revised the copper plate extensively over time, resulting in significant variation between extant impressions. This particular impression of Christ Healing the Sick is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains a cornerstone example of the artist’s unparalleled mastery of the etching medium. High-quality reproductions are now frequently available through various public domain art initiatives.