Jan Uytenbogaert, “The Goldweigher”

Jan Uytenbogaert, “The Goldweigher,” created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, in 1639, is a highly regarded work demonstrating the artist’s mastery of 17th-century printmaking. Executed using etching and drypoint on paper, this medium allowed Rembrandt to achieve remarkable depth and tonal variation, particularly evident in the depiction of the shadowed interior. The work captures Jan Uytenbogaert, a close acquaintance of the artist and the Receiver-General of the United Netherlands, engaged in his professional duties.

The composition places Uytenbogaert at the center of his counting house, meticulously attending to his task. He is shown hunched over a table, operating a small balance scale to weigh gold coins. This focus on commerce and financial diligence reflects the cultural values of the Dutch Golden Age, where trade, banking, and accountability were central to the nation's identity and prosperity. Rembrandt skillfully employs strong contrast, using the rich, dark ink created by the drypoint technique to throw the background into deep shadow while sharply illuminating the figure and the precious metals he inspects. This dramatic use of light enhances the quiet intensity of the scene, portraying the sitter not merely as a subject of portraiture but as a symbol of meticulous professionalism.

This piece is considered one of the finest of the artist's many prints produced in the late 1630s, showcasing technical virtuosity through intricate crosshatching and precise draftsmanship. The enduring quality of this work ensures that high-quality prints remain influential in art studies. Today, The Goldweigher is held in the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a vital record of both the art and the commercial life of the Netherlands in the 17th century.