Jan Asselijn, Painter (Krabbetje)

Jan Asselijn, Painter (Krabbetje) is an intimate portrait created by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) sometime between 1641 and 1651. This classification of print exemplifies the technical mastery of the Dutch Golden Age. The composition was executed using a sophisticated combination of etching, drypoint, and burin, methods that allowed the artist to achieve rich textural variation and deep shadows. This particular impression is the second of seven documented states, showcasing the early refinement and development of the copper plate.

The subject of this portrait is Jan Asselijn (c. 1610-1652), a contemporary Dutch painter specializing in Italianate landscape scenes. Rembrandt captured Asselijn in a straightforward, unidealized manner characteristic of his mature portrait style. Asselijn was reportedly nicknamed Krabbetje (Little Crab) due to a physical disability that caused him to walk with a limp. While the image focuses intently on the sitter’s face, the work demonstrates Rembrandt’s skill in depicting the psychological depth of the men he chose to document, elevating the print beyond a mere likeness. This piece is a superb example of the spontaneous yet powerful portraits Rembrandt etched during this period, capturing fellow artists and friends outside the constraints of formal commissions.

Dating to the decade between 1641 and 1651, this exceptional work remains an important study of a contemporary artist through the lens of a master printmaker. The lasting quality of the lines created by the combined techniques ensures the continued clarity of the image. Today, this impression of Jan Asselijn, Painter (Krabbetje) is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a crucial reference for scholars studying 17th-century Dutch prints and portraiture.