The Hundred Guilder Print

The Hundred Guilder Print, executed by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), stands as a foundational masterpiece of seventeenth-century printmaking. Created across a significant period, approximately 1626 to 1669, this work demonstrates the artist’s unparalleled technical command over the etching medium. Rembrandt utilized a complex combination of etching, drypoint, and burin work to achieve an astonishing range of tonality and texture, making the print a testament to the graphic arts of the Netherlands.

This iconic print is formally titled Christ Healing the Sick. It depicts the biblical scene with profound psychological depth, illustrating the moment Christ offers salvation amidst a diverse crowd encompassing the rich, the poor, the sick, and the skeptical. 1606-1669 meticulously managed the density of the figures and the dramatic play of chiaroscuro to draw the viewer’s eye towards the central figure. The long span of time during which the plate was worked suggests the immense importance 1606-1669 placed on perfecting the composition, returning to it over decades to refine details and tonal variations.

As a central example of Baroque print culture, this impression showcases the technical peak of the artist’s graphic achievements, influencing generations of subsequent printmakers. The intricacy of the execution led to the popular name, reflecting the exorbitant price it allegedly commanded early in its history. This highly detailed etching on paper is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars a prime opportunity to study the technical brilliance that solidified 1606-1669's reputation as the preeminent printmaker of his era.