Clement de Jonghe, Printseller

Clement de Jonghe, Printseller by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a masterful example of the artist's unparalleled skill in printmaking. Created in 1651, this piece utilizes both etching and drypoint techniques executed in black ink on buff laid paper. The combination of these demanding print methods allowed Rembrandt to achieve extraordinary tonal depth and textural richness, particularly evident in the depiction of the sitter's clothing and the subtle modeling of his facial expression.

The subject, Clement de Jonghe, was a prominent printseller in Amsterdam and an important figure within the bustling art market of the 17th-century Netherlands. He was known to have handled a significant number of Rembrandt’s prints, forging a critical professional relationship between the two men. In this portrait, the printmaker focuses intensely on de Jonghe’s countenance. The sitter is rendered in a three-quarter pose, illuminated by focused light that emphasizes the concentration in his eyes and the thoughtful set of his mouth, characteristic of the master’s penetrating psychological insight.

This powerful representation of a fellow professional demonstrates the high regard Rembrandt held for those within the specialized world of art dealing. The nuanced technical execution highlights why this print is considered one of the definitive portraits of the period. Today, Clement de Jonghe, Printseller remains a significant reference point for the study of 17th-century Dutch graphic arts. This exceptional example of the master’s work is part of the esteemed permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, making high-resolution images of the artwork often available through public domain initiatives.