The Hundred Guilder Print

The Hundred Guilder Print by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, stands as one of the most celebrated and technically complex prints in the history of the medium. Produced over a span of approximately ten years between 1643 and 1653, this masterpiece exemplifies the mature style of the Dutch Golden Age. It was executed using a combination of etching and drypoint on fine ivory laid paper, allowing the artist to achieve unprecedented depth and tonal variation crucial for rendering the dramatic interplay of light and shadow.

The work's popular title is derived from an anecdote suggesting the artist either sold this piece for or paid a substantial sum of one hundred guilders for a superb impression, reflecting its instant renown and perceived market value. The composition itself is a monumental religious study, often referred to as Christ Preaching. It intricately merges several narratives from the Gospel of Matthew 19, including Christ healing the sick, welcoming children, and conversing with the rich young ruler. This complexity creates a dynamic stage populated by numerous figures expressing diverse human conditions and emotions, from the needy poor seeking solace to the wealthy observer.

Rembrandt’s innovative use of drypoint allowed him to create rich, velvety burr effects, contrasting sharply with the crisp lines of the etching, particularly visible in the deep shadows that frame the central figure of Christ. This pioneering technical approach solidified his reputation across the Netherlands as the foremost printmaker of his generation. While unique original impressions remain highly valued, the widespread historical circulation of this image means that many high-quality reproductions and digital versions are accessible in the public domain. This specific impression, a critical example of 17th-century Dutch graphic art, is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.