Clement de Jonghe

The print Clement de Jonghe was created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1651. This iconic portrait is a superb example of the artist's mastery of graphic media, executed through a complex and highly textured combination of etching, drypoint, and burin on laid paper. This technical diversity allowed Rijn to achieve unparalleled variation in line weight and depth, contributing significantly to the psychological intensity of the composition.

The subject, Clement de Jonghe, was a prominent print seller and publisher based in Amsterdam, indicating a close professional relationship with the artist. Created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the piece reflects the era's focus on intimate and highly realistic portraiture, a tradition Rijn profoundly influenced, particularly through his prolific creation of high-quality prints. The sitter is captured in an informal, contemplative pose, strongly lit from the side to emphasize the contours of his face and the texture of his clothing.

The drypoint technique, characterized by a rich, velvety burr, lends a particular softness to the deep shadows and the background space, contrasting powerfully with the precise, sharp lines of the etching used to define the sitter’s facial details. Rijn often revisited and reworked his plates; the subtle variations between the known states of this impression demonstrate his commitment to refinement in the print medium. This attention to detail secured his status as the preeminent printmaker of the period from 1651 to 1700.

This exceptional example of 17th-century Dutch graphic art is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Recognized internationally, high-resolution reproductions of these historically significant prints are often made available through museum and public domain initiatives, ensuring broad accessibility to Rijn's powerful, enduring portrayals.