Jan Six

Jan Six, created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669 in 1647, is a foundational masterpiece of European portraiture and printmaking. This iconic work utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint on paper, demonstrating the artist’s unparalleled mastery over line and shadow. The subtle manipulation of the medium allows for rich, velvety tones created by the drypoint burr, contrasting sharply with the fine, clean lines of the etching.

The subject is Jan Six (1618-1700), a wealthy statesman, man of letters, and art collector who served as both a friend and major patron to Rembrandt. The piece captures Six in an intimate moment, likely reading or contemplating at a window, signifying his intellectual refinement. Rembrandt employs dramatic illumination to draw attention to Six’s face, cloak, and the details of his glove, a visual strategy that defines character through control of light. Produced during the flourishing period of the Dutch Golden Age in the Netherlands, this work exemplifies the period’s focus on individualized, realistic portraiture.

This powerful image is considered one of the finest single-figure prints ever produced, reflecting Rembrandt’s deep psychological insight into his sitter. The complexity of the technique and the rarity of high-quality early impressions contribute to the enduring legacy of the work. Today, this exceptional impression of Jan Six is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, providing scholars and the public access to a key work by one of history's greatest draftsmen. As a historically significant piece, many aspects of this 17th-century masterwork are frequently referenced in the public domain for study and appreciation.