Ephraim Bueno, Jewish Physician

Ephraim Bueno, Jewish Physician is an exceptional print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1647. This detailed work is classified as a print, executed using a complex combination of etching, drypoint, and burin, and represents the second of two known states.

The subject, Dr. Ephraim Bueno (c. 1599-1665), was a highly regarded Jewish physician and noted member of the flourishing Portuguese Sephardic community in Amsterdam, a city where Rembrandt himself lived and worked. This intimate portrait captures the dignity and intellectual bearing of the sitter, reflecting the artist’s characteristic interest in individual personalities. Rembrandt often produced compelling portraits of prominent figures and neighbors from Amsterdam’s diverse religious and cultural populations.

Rembrandt’s masterful technique is evident in the precise execution of the lines. He utilized the burin for strength and clarity, while incorporating the subtle, rich effects of drypoint to create deep, velvety shadows around the figure’s face and cloak. These detailed prints showcase the artist's innovative approach to graphic arts, utilizing differing textures and depths to suggest form and atmosphere. The work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, safeguarding its historical and artistic integrity. As a historically significant piece, many high-resolution reproductions of the master’s graphic works are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to these important 17th-century portraits.