Jan Uytenbogaert

Jan Uytenbogaert is a significant print created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1639. This powerful image is rendered using the combined techniques of etching and drypoint. The etching process allowed the artist to establish the primary composition and fine details, while the subsequent use of drypoint added rich, velvety burr. This effect is particularly noticeable in the deep shadows and contours of the figure, contributing to the work’s dramatic texture and visual depth.

Produced during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this work exemplifies the period’s demand for high-quality portraiture and biographical prints. Rijn was highly renowned throughout the Netherlands for his mastery of the printing press, treating the classification of Jan Uytenbogaert not merely as reproduction, but as a unique artistic discipline. The work portrays Jan Uytenbogaert, who served as the receiver general of the municipal land taxes in Amsterdam, leading to its popular alternative title, "The Gold Weigher."

The profound psychological depth and the powerful use of light and shadow, characteristic of Rijn’s mature style, elevate the piece beyond a typical official portrait. The composition captures the sitter in a moment of contemplative action, showcasing the artist’s ability to infuse his subjects with naturalistic vitality. This valuable impression is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. As a seminal example of 17th-century Netherlandish printmaking, the enduring popularity of this image ensures that high-quality prints and reproductions are widely circulated through various public domain sources today.