The Omval

The Omval is an exquisite print created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) in 1645. Classified as an etching combined with drypoint on white laid paper, this work showcases Rembrandt’s mature proficiency in intaglio printmaking, particularly his revolutionary approach to landscape subjects.

The subject depicts a specific location, the Omval, a well-known bend in the Amstel River near Amsterdam. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rembrandt often focused on specific, seemingly mundane scenery surrounding his home city in the Netherlands. The delicate execution of the print reveals fine, precise lines characteristic of the etching process, while the drypoint—created by scratching directly into the copper plate—adds rich, dark, and velvety accents. These dense, deep black areas are particularly visible in the shadows of the large tree dominating the right side of the composition and in the sparse foliage.

This combination of etching and drypoint allowed Rembrandt to achieve unparalleled depth and textural nuance. The spontaneity offered by the drypoint technique creates unique, fuzzy lines and rich textures that degrade quickly during printing, making early impressions of his prints, such as this one, highly valued. Created during the peak of the Dutch Golden Age, this piece exemplifies the growing market for finely detailed landscape prints. Rembrandt’s innovative use of printing processes solidified his reputation as a master draftsman whose works often circulate in the public domain and serve as critical reference points for the era. This particular impression of The Omval is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.