Clement de Jonghe

Clement de Jonghe, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1651, is a masterful example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking. This notable work utilizes a complex combination of etching, drypoint, and burin executed on laid paper. The specific nature of this piece as a counterproof indicates its role in the meticulous and experimental process Rijn employed to refine his compositions and monitor the plate's progress before widespread distribution.

The piece falls within the highly productive middle period of Rijn’s career, demonstrating his unparalleled skill in creating psychological depth through line work. As was common in the 1651 to 1700 period, Rijn often depicted figures from his immediate social and professional circles. Clement de Jonghe was a well-known art and prints dealer in Amsterdam, making this portrait not only an artistic endeavor but a vital record of a significant contemporary figure in the art trade. Rijn’s sophisticated application of deep drypoint burrs and delicate hatching emphasizes the textural qualities of the sitter’s clothing and the subtle play of shadow, characteristic of his mature etching style.

This exceptional example of graphic art is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical reference point for understanding the history of European printmaking. Due to the work's historical significance and its prominent place in major art reference materials, high-quality images of this masterpiece are often available to scholars and the general public. As an important historical document, the image has entered the public domain and remains one of Rijn’s most celebrated printed portraits.