Landscape with Sportsman and Dogs (‘Het jagertje’)

Landscape with Sportsman and Dogs (‘Het jagertje’) by Rembrandt van Rijn, dated 1648, is a highly regarded example of the artist’s prolific printmaking career. Created using the demanding technique of etching and drypoint on paper, this small-scale work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age fascination with intimate, atmospheric landscapes rendered in black and white.

The scene derives its secondary title, ‘Het jagertje’ (The Little Hunter), from the minuscule figures depicted in the foreground. A sportsman, accompanied by two dogs, traverses an open landscape defined by deep shadows and dramatic shifts in light. While Rijn often focused on historical and biblical narrative subjects in his paintings, his prints allowed him creative freedom in the realm of secular landscape, often utilizing imagined or composite topography rather than strict observation of the Dutch countryside.

Rijn’s genius in graphic arts is evident in his control of tone and detail. He utilizes precise line work in the foreground to define the figures and local flora, contrasting sharply with the hazier, deeply textured shadows and distant horizon lines. This emphasis on mood over mere description solidified his reputation as an innovator whose influence extended far beyond the 17th century.

This exceptional piece of graphic art is housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. As one of the defining figures of European art, Rijn’s output of expertly crafted prints revolutionized the medium. Due to the age and historical significance of the work, high-quality images of this masterwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to Rijn’s exceptional achievements in etching.