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 by Rembrandt van Rijn is a celebrated example of printmaking history, recognized for both its artistic complexity and its enduring market value throughout the centuries. This specific impression, classified as a print, was executed on delicate Japanese paper during the late eighteenth century (1775-1800), well over a century after the artist’s death. The image focuses tightly on the central figure of Christ, positioned beneath an arched section of the plate, as he delivers a sermon to a diverse crowd.

Although the original copper plate for this monumental etching was created by Rijn in the 1640s, the longevity and fame of the image ensured numerous later editions. The use of fine materials like Japanese paper for this impression indicates a high-quality restrike made long after the artist’s lifetime, a common practice for the most sought-after works of the Dutch Golden Age master. Even in the late eighteenth century, the demand for The Hundred Guilder Print remained high among collectors across Europe, cementing its status as an iconic piece.

The scene depicted is iconic in Rijn’s oeuvre, combining figures of the poor, the sick, and the intellectually curious gathered around Christ. This narrative complexity, coupled with the dramatic handling of light and shadow achieved through precise etching lines, demonstrates Rijn’s mastery not just of technique, but of profound emotional and spiritual storytelling. As one of the most famous pieces of its kind, the original etching and these subsequent quality prints have long been essential reference points for the study of Dutch Baroque religious art. This exemplary work is preserved in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum.