Jan Lutma, Goldsmith

Jan Lutma, Goldsmith by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) is a masterful portrait created in 1656. This specific impression is the fourth and final state of the plate, reflecting the Dutch artist’s practice of extensively modifying his works to achieve varied visual effects and light quality. The print demonstrates Rembrandt’s sophisticated command over intaglio techniques, combining etching, engraving, and the tonal richness of drypoint. The deep, velvety quality of the drypoint lines and the resultant rich burr contribute significantly to the shadows and dramatic lighting, hallmarks of Rembrandt’s late printmaking style.

The subject of this intimate portrait is Jan Lutma (1584-1669), a highly respected Amsterdam silversmith and medalist known for his exquisite work and influence during the Dutch Golden Age. Rembrandt captures the successful goldsmith in a thoughtful pose, surrounded by a subtle arrangement of tools and artifacts that affirm his professional status and creativity. Like many of Rembrandt’s acclaimed portraits of prominent men, the work transcends simple likeness, offering an insightful psychological study of its subject. The deliberate staging and masterful use of chiaroscuro focus the viewer's attention on the sitter’s face and hands, emphasizing his skill and gravity.

This exceptional example of European prints is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Given the meticulous detail and historical weight of the subject, the work Jan Lutma, Goldsmith is considered among Rembrandt’s greatest achievements in the graphic arts. Its enduring technical brilliance and historical importance ensure that this portrait, along with many significant works by Rembrandt, remains widely accessible through the public domain, contributing to the continued study of the master’s technique.