Cottage and Boundary Post on the Spaarndammerdijk ('L'Obelisque')

Cottage and Boundary Post on the Spaarndammerdijk ('L'Obelisque') by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) is a superb example of the artist's mature printmaking prowess. Created between 1645 and 1655, this iconic print utilizes both etching and drypoint techniques, presented here in its second known state. The work captures a tranquil Dutch landscape scene, demonstrating Rembrandt’s profound engagement with the visual reality of his 17th-century environment.

The composition centers on a modest collection of houses nestled beside the Spaarndammerdijk, a major dike and thoroughfare just northwest of Amsterdam. The scene is instantly recognizable due to the prominent, towering boundary post-or obelisk-that anchors the foreground, lending the piece its famous nickname. This post serves not only as a real-world landmark but also as a powerful compositional device, drawing the viewer's eye across the open, expansive sky and emphasizing spatial depth. The contrast between the simple, humble houses and the monumental post highlights the convergence of human life and infrastructure within the landscape.

As one of his celebrated prints, this piece showcases Rembrandt's innovative handling of the drypoint medium, particularly visible in the rich, velvety quality of the foreground lines. Unlike traditional etching, drypoint relies on scratching directly into the copper plate, creating a burr that holds ink and produces characteristic soft, dense shadows. This realism, depicting ordinary roads and recognizable geographical features, was characteristic of Dutch Golden Age prints. Today, the work resides in the prestigious collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving Rembrandt’s unparalleled mastery of the print medium for scholars and the public domain worldwide.