Cornelis Claesz Anslo, Preacher

"Cornelis Claesz Anslo, Preacher" is a masterful print by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), dating from the busy period 1636-1646. The work was created using the combined techniques of etching and drypoint, demonstrating the artist’s characteristic experimentation in graphic media. This particular impression represents the third of five known states, reflecting Rembrandt’s iterative process of reworking his copper plates to refine shading and detail before finalizing his prints.

The artwork functions as an insightful portrait of Anslo, an influential Mennonite preacher based in Amsterdam. Rembrandt captures the man seated within an intimate domestic space, surrounded by the tools of his vocation. The composition focuses keenly on the subject's thoughtful, composed demeanor as he interacts with the materials around him. The preacher is situated among several large books, emphasizing his scholarly commitment.

Through the sharp contrast achieved by drypoint, Rembrandt manipulates light and shadow, highlighting the man’s face and hands while allowing the surrounding environment to recede into deep atmospheric darkness. This treatment provides a powerful sense of psychological depth, transforming the simple depiction of an individual man into a complex study of character and devotion.

This exceptional piece of 17th-century Dutch graphic art is held in the prestigious collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rembrandt’s prolific output of prints during this era ensures that while rare, these important works of portraiture continue to influence artists and scholars, and many high-quality impressions are available today through public domain art resources.