Clement de Jonghe, Printseller

"Clement de Jonghe, Printseller" by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), dating from 1651, is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture executed in the demanding medium of printmaking. This particular impression represents the rare first of six states, demonstrating the artist's initial vision before later reworkings of the plate. The technique combines etching, drypoint, and engraving, allowing Rembrandt to achieve a rich variety of textural effects and deep shadows, which characterize his sophisticated late print style.

The subject, Clement de Jonghe, was a prominent Amsterdam print dealer and publisher who played a crucial role in circulating Rembrandt’s graphic works throughout the Dutch Golden Age. This work functions as both a portrait of a specific individual and a study of character, focusing on one of the key figures responsible for making prints a viable, accessible art form in Northern Europe. Rembrandt presents the print seller seated and reflective, utilizing intense shadow to draw attention to the sitter’s face and thoughtful expression.

Rembrandt expertly employs the rich burr of the drypoint needle to heighten the contrast, creating a sense of palpable texture in the sitter's clothing and the background. This intensity of detail elevates the work beyond a simple likeness, establishing it as one of the artist's most psychologically engaging portraits of men. As a highly sought-after example of Rembrandt's graphic output, the original piece resides in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, high-resolution reproductions of this iconic etching are now frequently available through the public domain, ensuring global access to Rembrandt's legacy of prints.