Jan Uytenbogaert, Preacher of the Remonstrants

The print Jan Uytenbogaert, Preacher of the Remonstrants by Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) was created in 1635, capturing the esteemed Dutch religious leader in a moment of quiet contemplation. This renowned portrait utilized the demanding intaglio techniques of etching and drypoint, executed in black ink upon buff laid paper. Rembrandt, known for his masterful control over line and tone, expertly manipulated the copper plate to achieve a profound psychological depth, employing cross-hatching and varied line weights to render the texture of the sitter’s clothing and the surrounding atmosphere.

Jan Uytenbogaert (1557-1644) was one of the most significant spiritual figures of his time, serving as a powerful advocate for the Arminian or Remonstrant movement, which caused major religious and political upheaval in the Netherlands. Rembrandt portrays the preacher wearing a simple cap and cloak, emphasizing austerity and intellectual gravity, typical of the sober character celebrated in 17th-century Dutch culture. The artist treated his subject not merely as a dignitary but as an introspective individual burdened by historical events, referencing the sitter’s earlier exile following the Synod of Dort.

Created during Rembrandt’s prolific period in Amsterdam, this work stands among his most celebrated prints. He used the drypoint needle to achieve rich, velvety black areas and delicate burr, adding textural depth that distinguishes it from purely etched prints. This command of graphic medium secured Rembrandt's reputation as the era's foremost graphic artist. A superb impression of this Netherlandish masterwork resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. High-quality representations of this historic piece are often available through the public domain for study and reference.