Jan Uytenbogaert

Jan Uytenbogaert was executed by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1635, standing as a testament to the artist’s mastery of graphic media during the pinnacle of the Dutch Golden Age (the period spanning 1601 to 1650). Classified as a print, the work combines the precise, subtle effects of etching with the heavier, tonal application of the burin, showcasing Rijn’s innovative approach to 17th-century portraiture.

During this era, printmaking became a highly accessible and popular artistic medium across the Netherlands, allowing Rijn to disseminate his powerful images widely. This specific work exemplifies his profound technical control. The artist utilized the etching needle for initial sketches and delicate linear details, while employing the burin to reinforce contours and create the deep, rich shadows that define the psychological intensity of the sitter. The intricate cross-hatching and varied line weight demonstrate how Rijn manipulated light and darkness to give the two-dimensional surface extraordinary depth and texture.

The subject, Jan Uytenbogaert, is rendered with characteristic psychological insight, moving beyond a simple visual likeness. Rijn’s ability to capture the personality and presence of the individual made his portraits highly sought after. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rijn treated his prints as seriously as his oil paintings, often creating multiple states of a plate to refine and perfect the image. The resulting quality secured his reputation as one of the great printmakers in art history. This significant example of Dutch graphic arts is preserved in the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art.