Jan Asselijn

Jan Asselijn is a masterful print created in 1647 by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn. This work, classified as a Print, showcases Rijn's unparalleled skill in intaglio techniques, combining the precision of etching, the textural richness of drypoint, and the controlled lines of the burin. Executed toward the middle of the 17th century, the piece belongs firmly within the artistic output of the 1601 to 1650 period, which represents the height of the Dutch Golden Age.

The combination of media used here allowed Rijn to achieve a complex interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of his mature style. The etching process established the main compositional lines, while the strategic application of drypoint added deep, velvety burr to the shadows, enhancing the expressive quality of the sitter's face. The subject of the print, Jan Asselijn, is the landscape painter (c. 1610-1652) and contemporary artist who was active in Italy before returning to Amsterdam. Rijn's dedication to creating detailed and psychologically resonant portraits extended fully into his production of fine prints, making them some of the most sought-after works of the era.

This exceptional example of Dutch printmaking is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Dating from 1647, the piece demonstrates Rijn’s lasting influence on graphic arts, confirming his position as the era’s most innovative master of the medium. The prominence and historical value of Rijn’s extensive output means that high-resolution copies of many of his works, including this specific print, are frequently made available through museum initiatives and reside in the public domain. The continued study of the print Jan Asselijn provides critical insight into the social and artistic relationships within the 17th-century Dutch art world.