The Hundred Guilder Print: the ass, the camel and the wheelbarrow

The Hundred Guilder Print: the ass, the camel and the wheelbarrow by Rembrandt van Rijn is an exceptional and highly sought-after impression from one of the artist's most celebrated designs. This print is classified as an etching and drypoint, executed on delicate Japanese paper. While the original composition dates to the mid-17th century, this particular impression was pulled significantly later, likely between 1775 and 1800, using a surviving or restored copper plate. The quality of the Japanese paper, favored by collectors for its ability to capture the finest lines of the drypoint burr, indicates that this was intended as a premium, posthumous printing.

The specific title of this piece directs attention to a detailed study focusing on the figures and animals that occupy the periphery of the larger biblical scene, Christ Healing the Sick. The ass, the camel, and the wheelbarrow were elements Rijn used to ground the spiritual narrative in everyday reality, simultaneously referencing the New Testament parable concerning the difficulty a rich man has entering the Kingdom of Heaven. The mastery of light and shadow, or chiaroscuro, remains evident, demonstrating the lasting power of Rijn’s initial design even in these later prints.

Housed in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, this example underscores the continued commercial and artistic value of the graphic works of Rijn well into the 18th century. The longevity of the original plate allowed for continuous study and appreciation of the master's technique. Today, due to the age of the original work, high-quality prints and reproductions often enter the public domain, ensuring global access to Rijn’s monumental artistic achievement.