Jan Cornelisz. Sylvius, preacher

Jan Cornelisz. Sylvius, preacher, is an exceptional 1646 portrait created by the Dutch master Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn). This psychologically penetrating print was executed using the demanding combination of etching, drypoint, and burin. The work is specifically identified as the second of two states, indicating subtle variations and refinements the artist made to the copper plate before the final edition of prints was pulled.

Rembrandt specialized in producing intimate and highly detailed portraits, and this representation of Jan Cornelisz. Sylvius is highly regarded within his oeuvre. Sylvius, who had been married to Rembrandt’s late cousin, served as a prominent preacher in Amsterdam. Though created eight years after the subject’s death, this commemorative work captures the serious and thoughtful demeanor characteristic of powerful men of the Dutch Golden Age. The sitter is framed within an archway—a compositional convention Rembrandt often used to lend a monumental quality to his subjects.

The exceptional quality of the printing highlights Rembrandt’s unparalleled skill as a printmaker. The use of drypoint is evident in the rich, velvety burr around the darker lines, which creates profound textural contrast, particularly visible in the preacher's robes and the deeply shadowed background. This intense control over light and shadow (a hallmark of Baroque art) elevates the piece beyond a simple likeness. Currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Jan Cornelisz. Sylvius, preacher is a canonical example of 17th-century prints. As a significant historical work, high-quality images of this piece are often available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to Rembrandt’s enduring artistic legacy.