Jan Asselijn

The powerful depiction of Jan Asselijn is a Print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1647. This exceptional work, executed using the demanding combination of etching, drypoint, and burin, demonstrates Rijn’s profound mastery of the graphic arts during the peak of the Dutch Golden Age (1601 to 1650). While celebrated globally for his oil canvases, Rijn stood as the most innovative printmaker of his era, frequently experimenting with the copper plate to achieve unique textural depth and dramatic tonal variation, particularly in his portraiture. The specific use of drypoint here results in rich, velvety burr, especially noticeable in the darker drapery and shadows surrounding the sitter’s head, lending the image a stark, three-dimensional quality often called sfumato.

The subject, Jan Asselijn (c. 1610-1652), was himself a notable Dutch painter who specialized in Italianate landscapes, making this work a striking record of an artist by an artist. Rijn captures Asselijn with characteristic psychological intensity, utilizing the subtle variations in line to convey the sitter’s contemplative and thoughtful nature. Unlike formal, commissioned portraits, this intimate study suggests a relaxed or collaborative relationship between the two great artists of the period. The success of these informal portraits confirms the vibrancy of the artistic community thriving in 17th-century Amsterdam.

This important example of 17th-century Dutch graphic technique solidifies its standing among Rijn’s most admired portrait prints. The original impression resides today in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering scholars and art lovers continued access to the technical nuances of the work. As a foundational masterpiece of European art history, high-resolution images are frequently found within public domain archives, ensuring the widespread availability and enduring legacy of this key masterwork.