Jan Six

Jan Six is a renowned portrait created by the Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1647. This complex and highly regarded print is distinguished by Rijn’s masterful integration of multiple printmaking techniques. The artist utilized etching for the initial lines, drypoint to achieve rich, velvety blacks and soft transitions, and also incorporated engraving for precise detail and structural reinforcement. The successful combination of these distinct methods results in a rare depth and immediacy, making this one of the most celebrated prints of the 17th-century and a cornerstone of Rijn’s graphic work.

The subject of the portrait is Jan Six (1618–1700), a prominent statesman, writer, and wealthy art collector who served as a close friend and patron to Rijn in Amsterdam. Unlike many formal commissioned portraits of the period, Rijn depicts Six in a moment of private introspection, leaning casually against a windowsill while reading. He wears a simple yet elegant cloak draped over his shoulder, suggesting erudition and thoughtful contemplation rather than merely stressing his high social status.

This intimate yet monumental style contrasts sharply with the formal stiffness often seen in Dutch portraits of the time. The skillful use of light and shadow, characteristic of Rijn’s output in the Netherlands, focuses the viewer’s attention entirely on the figure and the casual dignity of his pose. The quality of the impression and the technical sophistication of Jan Six solidify this piece as a landmark in the history of graphic arts. This exceptional example of the master’s work is proudly held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.