The Hundred Guilder Print

The Hundred Guilder Print by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is one of the most celebrated examples of seventeenth-century Dutch printmaking. Executed between 1643 and 1653, this complex image showcases the artist's masterful use of etching and drypoint on off-white laid paper. The combination of meticulously rendered etching lines and the rich, velvety burr characteristic of drypoint allowed Rembrandt to achieve unparalleled depth and variation in tone, moving far beyond standard reproductive prints of the era. The work represents the height of the Golden Age of art in the Netherlands.

The print derives its popular name from the legendary sum it was said to have cost a collector in the artist’s lifetime, reflecting its immense reputation even among his contemporaries. Rembrandt constantly revised this plate over the years, making several subtle changes to the composition. This long working period, spanning a decade, shows the intense dedication the Dutch master applied to his graphic work. As a unique example among seventeenth-century prints, the intricate rendering of figures and environment demonstrates the technical evolution of the etching medium during this highly innovative period in the Netherlands. The enduring legacy of this work has ensured that high-quality impressions remain widely studied today.

This particular impression is currently held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is classified as a significant example of early modern printmaking. The sophisticated interplay of light and shadow, combined with the detailed rendering of human drama, solidifies Rembrandt's reputation not just as a painter, but as one of history's foremost graphic artists. Today, works of this importance are often available for study and reference through public domain resources.