Jan Lutma, goldsmith

Jan Lutma, goldsmith is a masterful print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1656. This highly individualized portrait utilizes the mixed media of etching, engraving, and drypoint, a combination that allowed the artist exceptional control over texture and deep tonal values. As the first of four recorded states, this particular impression showcases a unique clarity and rich detail, especially in the drypoint burr, before the plate underwent subsequent modification.

The subject is Jan Lutma (1584-1669), a renowned Amsterdam silversmith and respected contemporary of the artist. Rembrandt renders Lutma seated, likely in his studio, surrounded by a few essential tools of his trade. The composition captures the goldsmith in a moment of quiet contemplation, emphasizing the dignity and intellectual capacity associated with the master artisan’s status in 17th-century Dutch society. This work exemplifies Rembrandt’s mature style of portraiture, where character depth is achieved through careful modeling of light and shadow, highlighting the subject’s expression against a velvety dark background.

The heavy use of drypoint creates a rich, shadowy atmosphere that focuses the viewer’s attention entirely on Lutma’s face and hands, which are illuminated with precision. Such sophisticated prints were highly sought after during the Dutch Golden Age. This iconic example of graphic art is classified as a print and is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-resolution images of classic Rembrandt prints are frequently made available for study through public domain initiatives worldwide.