The Hundred Guilder Print: the figures leaning on the wall in the centre left

The Hundred Guilder Print: the figures leaning on the wall in the centre left is an impression attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn. Although Rijn created the famed copperplate for the original work, Christ Healing the Sick, during the 1640s, this specific print was pulled significantly later, dating from 1775 to 1800. This places the piece among the important later impressions that demonstrate the ongoing cultural value and market demand for Rijn’s output well into the eighteenth century. The choice of medium—Japanese paper—is significant; this highly prized material was often reserved for the highest quality prints due to its strength, thinness, and smooth surface, which beautifully registers the delicate lines of the etching needle and the rich burr of drypoint techniques.

This detailed view focuses specifically on the cluster of bystanders leaning against a barrier or wall, captured in the mid-ground of the larger composition. By isolating this group, the piece emphasizes Rijn’s unparalleled ability to convey complex human emotions and psychological states through posture and subtle gesture, a hallmark of his approach to narrative prints. The composition maintains the dramatic contrasts of light and shadow characteristic of the Baroque period. The enduring popularity of these graphic works resulted in the creation of many subsequent prints. This particular work is preserved as part of the extensive collection of the Rijksmuseum, ensuring continued access to these vital historical documents. The widespread availability of Rijn’s work, including many high-resolution examples in the public domain, allows scholars worldwide to study the evolution of his revolutionary printmaking style.