The Hundred Guilder Print: the man seen on the back in the lower left corner

The Hundred Guilder Print: the man seen on the back in the lower left corner by Rembrandt van Rijn is a striking print on Japanese paper, created during the late eighteenth century (1775-1800). Although produced approximately a century after the artist’s death, this work derives from Rijn’s renowned mid-17th century etching, known widely as The Hundred Guilder Print or Christ Preaching. The specific dating suggests this is either a later impression pulled from the original or a study focused intensely on one small element of the larger, complex scene.

The choice of Japanese paper as the support medium reflects the high value placed on the clarity and tonal subtlety of the prints being produced during this period. The fibrous quality of the Japanese paper often lends a distinct, velvety richness to the deep black ink, enhancing the visual impact of Rijn’s masterful manipulation of shadow and light.

This particular composition isolates a figure observed from the rear, placed in the busy lower left corner of the original grand composition. Such focused detail prints demonstrate the enduring scholarly interest in Rijn's graphic work, highlighting how individual, seemingly marginal figures contribute essential narrative weight to the whole. Rijn's original etching is universally recognized as a masterpiece that advanced the technical boundaries of printmaking, particularly in the use of drypoint and varied hatching.

The continuous demand for quality impressions, even centuries later, underscores the lasting influence of Rembrandt van Rijn. Many of the artist's original prints are considered core holdings in museum collections worldwide, often entering the public domain and allowing broad access to studies of his technique. This specific example of a late impression of a major work is retained in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, offering insight into the post-mortem legacy of one of the greatest masters of European art.