Jan Antonides van der Linden is a masterful graphic portrait created by the Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1665. Classified as a Print and executed on paper, this work places the subject among the prominent figures Rijn chose to immortalize in his preferred graphic medium during the final years of his career. By the 1660s, Rijn was at the height of his printmaking technical maturity, often utilizing a combination of etching, drypoint, and engraving to achieve unparalleled richness and depth in shadow, reflecting the emotional intensity of the sitter.
The work moves beyond simple physical representation, focusing instead on the character and psychological presence of Jan Antonides van der Linden. The lines defining the face and drapery are economical yet powerful, a hallmark of Rijn’s late style which prioritized emotional truth over elaborate detail. Through the subtle manipulation of line density, Rijn generates dramatic chiaroscuro, casting the subject in deep shadow that highlights the expressive face.
This essential example of 17th-century Dutch graphic arts resides in the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It stands as a vital record of Rijn’s achievements in portraiture, demonstrating why his works, particularly his prints, remain foundational to art history. As the work is a significant historical object, impressions of these celebrated prints are often available through public domain collections, ensuring continued study and appreciation of the enduring genius of Rijn.