Jan Six

The etching Jan Six was created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1647, depicting the wealthy amateur art collector and poet, Jan Six. This highly regarded print is executed using a combination of etching, drypoint, and burin techniques. The use of drypoint, characterized by its fine, burred lines, is particularly evident in the rich, velvety blacks of the shadows, allowing the artist to achieve intense detail and atmospheric depth. The impression housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is identified as the fifth and final state, documenting Rembrandt's meticulous process of revising and deepening the composition over subsequent impressions.

The composition captures the esteemed sitter engaged in private intellectual contemplation. Jan Six is framed by an arched window, which serves as the primary source of illumination, casting dramatic light across the otherwise shadowy room. This careful control of light and shadow highlights the figure, whose relaxed posture is offset by the intensity of his concentration as he is caught in the act of reading. The subject matter reflects the humanist values prevalent in the Dutch Golden Age, emphasizing learning and scholarly reflection.

Recognized today as one of the finest prints in the history of graphic art, Jan Six exemplifies Rembrandt’s profound mastery of the print medium. This work showcases the artist’s unparalleled ability to manipulate line and tone to achieve painterly effects, distinguishing it as a significant portrait. The original impression is part of the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its importance, high-resolution representations of these historic prints are often made available through public domain resources, allowing art historians and enthusiasts worldwide to study Rembrandt's technique.