Jan Lutma

The exceptional 1656 portrait print, Jan Lutma, created by Rembrandt van Rijn, captures the likeness of the renowned Amsterdam goldsmith and sculptor. This late-period work utilizes the demanding medium of etching and drypoint on laid paper, a technical combination Rijn mastered to achieve striking textural variety and depth.

Rijn's command of printmaking is evident in this piece, executed during the period between 1651 to 1700, marking the latter half of the Dutch Golden Age. The careful application of drypoint, which creates a rich, velvety burr when the copper plate is scratched, contrasts sharply with the fine, clean lines of the etching process. This technique lends the subject a profound sense of presence, especially in the rendering of his clothing and facial features.

The subject, Jan Lutma, is depicted seated in a contemplative pose, surrounded by the tools and examples of his craft, including a small sculpture on the table before him. This contextualization firmly grounds the portrait in the vibrant economic and artistic life of the 17th-century Dutch Republic, where specialized labor and craftsmanship were highly valued and often celebrated in portraiture.

Characteristic of Rijn’s style, the lighting dramatically illuminates Lutma’s face and hands, allowing the surrounding background to fall into deep shadow. This use of contrast enhances the psychological intensity of the sitter, turning a mere portrait into an intimate study of character. The work is a stellar example of the refined prints being produced by this master during this era. Today, this important print, often categorized among those available in the public domain due to its age, is part of the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art.