Johannes Lutma

The print Johannes Lutma was created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1656. Executed on paper, this classification of print typically involves the combined techniques of etching and drypoint, methods Rijn mastered during the latter half of the Dutch Golden Age. This work showcases the artist’s unparalleled ability to use light and shadow, defining form and conveying deep psychological insight into the sitter.

The subject is Johannes Lutma (1584-1669), a celebrated Amsterdam silversmith and a prominent contemporary figure within the city’s artistic and commercial elite. Rijn portrays Lutma seated, emphasizing his professional identity and status. The composition subtly focuses attention on the silversmith’s tools or perhaps a medallion held in his hand, a detail that grounds the portrait firmly in the context of Dutch artisan culture. This emphasis on status and occupation was crucial in 17th-century Holland, where bourgeois figures commissioned detailed prints to mark their societal achievements.

Through delicate line work and controlled density of cross-hatching, Rijn achieves remarkable textural realism, particularly in the depiction of Lutma’s face and rich garments. This skillful handling of the copper plate resulted in high-quality prints that were widely circulated. The work is considered one of Rijn’s finest efforts in portraiture during this period, demonstrating his mature command over the medium. This essential piece of 17th-century paper history is held within the renowned collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where it serves as a cornerstone reference for the study of Dutch Golden Age portrait prints.