The Hundred Guilder Print

The Hundred Guilder Print, created by Rembrandt van Rijn around 1648, is widely considered the peak of the artist’s prolific achievements in printmaking. Executed primarily in etching and drypoint on paper, this exceptional work demonstrates Rijn's unparalleled command of line, tone, and shadow during the height of the Dutch Golden Age.

The crowded, detailed composition centers on Christ Preaching, addressing a diverse group of people along with the sick and the needy. Rijn masterfully integrates several biblical passages into a single, compelling scene, showing the desperate seeking healing on the left, contrasting sharply with skeptical figures, likely Pharisees, observing the scene on the right. The technique involves a complex interplay of media; the deep velvety blacks achieved through drypoint give the figures volume, while the subtle etchings define the ambient light and atmosphere. Rijn used dramatic chiaroscuro to highlight the central figures while allowing the surrounding edges to dissolve into deep shadow, creating intense focus.

The artwork’s enduring nickname derives from the rumored sum of one hundred guilders paid by a collector for an early, pristine impression of this work, signaling its perceived value immediately upon creation. This complexity and technical ambition ensured the piece’s status as a highly sought-after collector’s item even in the 17th century. The influence of The Hundred Guilder Print on subsequent generations of graphic artists cannot be overstated. Today, high-quality images of Rijn’s masterwork are often shared through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread study of these iconic prints. This major print resides in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum.