Jan Lutma, goldsmith

Jan Lutma, goldsmith by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1656, is a powerful example of the artist's late career mastery in printmaking. This particular impression utilizes Japanese paper, a specialized medium Rijn often favored during this period for its ability to enhance the richness and depth of his etched and drypoint lines. The use of this smooth, absorbent paper allows for a sophisticated range of tones, differing significantly from impressions taken on standard European rag paper and resulting in velvety blacks and nuanced shadows.

The subject, Jan Lutma the Elder (c. 1584-1669), was one of Amsterdam’s most respected goldsmiths and silversmiths, famous for his ornate Baroque designs. Rijn portrays Lutma not just as a man, but specifically as a craftsman, subtly incorporating tools and references to his trade within the composition. The portrait exhibits the careful observation and psychological depth characteristic of Rijn’s later works. Despite the inherent restrictions of the etching medium, Rijn expertly manipulates light and shadow, bringing the sitter forward from the deep background, a technique that demonstrates his unparalleled control over the needle and burin.

As a high-quality print, this piece is one of several important portraits Rijn etched of prominent Amsterdam citizens during the Dutch Golden Age. The detailed rendering solidifies its place among the era’s essential graphic works. This impression of Jan Lutma, goldsmith is housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is preserved as part of the nation's significant holding of Rijn’s extensive body of works on paper. Due to the historical importance of the artist’s oeuvre, high-resolution images of these famous prints are frequently available through public domain initiatives, allowing wider access to the master draftsman’s output.