The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching, the plate arched

The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching, the plate arched, attributed here to the genius of Rembrandt van Rijn, is one of the most celebrated and compositionally complex images in the history of prints. Although Rijn executed the original master etching and drypoint sometime between 1643 and 1649, this specific impression dates much later, estimated to have been pulled between 1775 and 1800. This later striking testifies to the enduring value and high demand for reproductions of Rijn’s seminal print decades after the artist’s lifetime.

This particular print is executed on delicate Japanese paper, a medium prized by 18th-century collectors and printmakers for its absorbent qualities, which allowed for a rich, nuanced definition in the inking process, enhancing the subtle tonal variations inherent in the original plate. The subject focuses intensely on the central action of the larger work, illustrating Christ preaching and interacting with a diverse, emotionally charged crowd of followers-the sick, the poor, the rich young man, and curious onlookers-gathered under a defining architectural arch.

Emphasizing the powerful human interactions captured by Rijn’s mastery of light and shadow, this arched section highlights the theological and narrative density of the original concept. Held in the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, this late impression serves as a vital record of both 17th-century Dutch artistry and 18th-century collecting practices. The lasting historical importance of these prints means that high-resolution examples are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring Rijn’s legacy reaches a global audience.