Jan Lutma

The influential print Jan Lutma was created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1656. This masterful example of Dutch graphic arts, produced during the period 1651 to 1700, showcases the artist’s unparalleled skill in intaglio methods. The piece utilizes a combination of etching and drypoint executed on laid paper, a medium that allowed Rijn to achieve unique textural depth and velvety, atmospheric shadows unparalleled in contemporary printmaking.

The subject, Jan Lutma (c. 1584-1669), was a prominent Amsterdam silversmith and sculptor, whose portrait Rijn treated with characteristic intimacy and reverence. Unlike many formal portraits of the era, this work presents Lutma informally, resting his hand near a sculpted piece of ornamental metalwork, likely one of his own designs, thereby emphasizing his professional identity and creative genius. Rijn’s technical brilliance is particularly evident in the delicate manipulation of the drypoint needle. The process leaves fine burrs on the copper plate, which hold extra ink and produce the rich, dark lines seen around the figure and the architectural framing element—a hallmark highly valued in Rijn’s mature prints.

This piece is a quintessential example of Dutch printmaking from the latter half of the Golden Age. The careful rendering of light and shadow, which seems to emanate from within the composition, elevates the work beyond simple documentation, cementing its status as one of Rijn’s most celebrated prints. The surviving prints often show subtle variations due to the gradual wear of the drypoint burrs through successive impressions. A superb example of this original 1656 print is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. As with many significant historical artworks from this era, high-resolution reproductions are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to Rijn’s enduring legacy.