Jan Asselijn, Painter

Jan Asselijn, Painter by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a powerful example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture rendered through printmaking. Executed between 1642 and 1652, this intimate study captures Jan Asselijn, a fellow artist and contemporary known primarily for his Italianate landscapes. Rembrandt utilized the highly expressive techniques of etching and drypoint, working in black ink on paper to create a strong contrast and textural richness typical of his mature period.

The mastery of Rembrandt is evident in the dynamic line work and the subtle variation in tone achieved through the drypoint burr, which lends a velvety appearance to the deeper shadows. The artist masterfully captured the distinctive features of Asselijn, including the crutch and walking stick often depicted in his likenesses, transforming a simple representation into a compelling psychological study. The proliferation of such fine prints allowed images to circulate widely throughout the Netherlands during the Golden Age, solidifying Rembrandt’s dual reputation as both a painter and the era's preeminent printmaker.

This exceptional example of graphic art is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As the work is part of the institute's esteemed holdings and resides within the public domain, it remains an essential reference for understanding the profound contributions of Rembrandt to portraiture and the technical history of prints. The piece showcases the period's preference for complex character studies over mere likeness, defining the standard for graphic portraiture in the 17th century.