Jan Asselijn, painter

The print Jan Asselijn, painter was created by Rembrandt van Rijn between 1645 and 1649. Executed on paper, this work exemplifies the artist’s exceptional skill in graphic media, almost certainly utilizing etching or drypoint techniques. This period marks a high point in Rijn’s printmaking, where he perfected the ability to convey complex textures and dramatic light effects, hallmarks of the Dutch Golden Age aesthetic.

The subject is the painter Jan Asselijn (c. 1610-1652), a contemporary of Rijn known primarily for his distinctive Italianate landscapes. Unlike the formality often seen in oil painted portraits, Rijn presents Asselijn with a sensitive, intimate quality. The careful application of line and shading creates a psychological intensity that captures the sitter’s likeness while focusing attention on his facial features. The mastery of Rijn in exploiting the contrast between the heavily worked areas and the blankness of the paper demonstrates why his prints were so highly valued by collectors even during his own lifetime.

As an enduring example of 17th-century Dutch portrait prints, this particular impression is held in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The distribution and preservation of Rijn’s graphic work has provided scholars invaluable insight into the culture and prominent figures of the era. As a historically significant artwork, this image often resides in the public domain, allowing wide access to students and researchers interested in the technical genius of Rijn.