The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching

The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching by Rembrandt van Rijn is a deeply influential 18th-century impression of the famed biblical etching. This specific print, classified as a fine example of graphic arts, was executed on high-quality, delicate Japanese paper, highlighting the specialized luxury market for prints centuries after the artist’s death. Although Rijn originally created the etching plate around 1649, this impression dates from 1775 to 1800, reflecting the ongoing commercial value and artistic study of the master plate.

The work captures the defining moment of Christ addressing a diverse multitude. The compositional strength lies in Rijn’s dramatic use of light, where the central figure of Christ is bathed in illumination, setting him apart from the detailed, complex crowd that gathers both near and in the shadows. The scene is rich with human observation, portraying figures ranging from the sick seeking healing to the skeptical Pharisees, all reacting to the sermon. This emotional depth and technical innovation cemented the original etching as one of Rijn’s crowning achievements in printmaking.

Housed in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, this piece demonstrates the enduring legacy of the Dutch Golden Age master. The complex history of the plate, and its many subsequent editions, speaks to the high demand for copies of such iconic images. Today, the foundational imagery of this print, sometimes referred to simply as The Hundred Guilder Print, is widely reproduced, ensuring the composition remains accessible to the public domain for ongoing scholarly study and appreciation of Rijn’s extraordinary talent.