The Hundred Guilder Print

The Hundred Guilder Print by Rembrandt van Rijn is a seminal print created around 1648, rendered masterfully in ink on highly prized Japanese paper. This remarkable work exemplifies the artist's unparalleled skill in intaglio techniques, showcasing a complex combination of etching, drypoint, and engraving used to achieve profound depth and dramatic illumination. Rijn meticulously worked the copper plate to produce rich, varying tones, controlling the play of light and shadow, which was essential to his unique vision.

The subject matter centers on Christ Preaching and Healing, drawing together several narratives from the Gospel of Matthew (specifically chapter 19), illustrating scenes such as the healing of the sick, the dispute with the Pharisees, and the welcoming of children. The composition is dense, featuring a wide spectrum of humanity: the poor, the marginalized, the devout, and the skeptical, all gathered in devotion or doubt. The popular nickname, The Hundred Guilder Print, supposedly derives from the exceptionally high price Rijn charged for it during his lifetime, reflecting its immense technical quality and status among collectors.

As one of the most famous prints ever produced in the history of Western art, this piece solidified Rijn’s reputation as an unparalleled graphic artist, rivaling his output in oil painting. The delicate rendering on handmade Japanese paper, known for its fine surface and ability to absorb ink with precision, is crucial to the effect of the shadows and highlights. This significant 17th-century Dutch work resides in the renowned collection of the Rijksmuseum. Today, reproductions of these historical prints are widely distributed, with many high-resolution images accessible through public domain collections.