Jan Six

The work Jan Six was created by the master printmaker Rembrandt van Rijn in 1647. This classification as a Print utilizes a complex combination of techniques: etching, drypoint, and engraving, executed on laid paper. This technical fusion allowed Rijn to achieve extraordinary variations in line weight and depth of shadow, characteristic of his mature graphic style. The use of drypoint, in particular, provided rich, velvety burr that would quickly wear down after only a few impressions, making early states of this portrait highly prized by collectors.

The piece dates to the peak of the Dutch Golden Age, falling squarely within the influential period of 1601 to 1650. This era saw massive prosperity among Amsterdam’s elite, who frequently commissioned portraits, both painted and printed, to record their status. Rijn’s subject here is the wealthy statesman, writer, and art collector Jan Six (1618-1700), a close friend and patron of the artist. Unlike the stiff, formal portraiture common at the time, Rijn depicts his subject in an intimate moment, perhaps reading or contemplating a manuscript, allowing the dramatic contrasts achieved through the medium to define the mood and inner life of the sitter.

This exceptional example of Rijn’s output demonstrates why he is considered the foremost graphic artist of the seventeenth century. The subtle details captured through the etching needle and the strategic use of white space convey the artist's unparalleled ability to establish psychological depth in black and white. This important work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its historical significance and age, high-resolution reproductions of these remarkable prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to the artistry of this Baroque master.