Thomas Haaringh

The print Thomas Haaringh was executed by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1655, showcasing the artist's mastery of etching and drypoint techniques during his mature period. This specific impression is notable for its medium: it was printed on delicate Japanese paper (often referred to as Oriental paper), a material Rijn prized for its warm, slightly fibrous texture. The use of this exotic, handmade paper allowed the artist to achieve richer ink tones and greater contrast, particularly in the deep, velvety blacks of the drypoint lines, differentiating this impression from those pulled on standard Western laid paper.

The subject, Thomas Haaringh, was a well-known auctioneer in Amsterdam and likely a figure Rijn knew personally or professionally. Rijn depicts Haaringh not merely as a subject for portraiture, but as a study in character and light. The composition emphasizes Haaringh’s internal demeanor, typical of the psychological depth Rijn infused into his later works. This portrait is a significant example of Rijn’s continued dedication to printmaking in 1655, a period marked by significant personal turmoil and changing artistic tastes in the Dutch Republic.

This exceptional impression, dating from the pivotal year of 1655, is housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where it stands as a cornerstone of the museum's extensive holdings of 17th-century Dutch art. The quality of the surviving prints, especially those executed on premium materials like Japanese paper, underscores the lasting technical and artistic legacy of Rijn. As one of the most important original prints by the master, the work is now part of the global artistic heritage; high-resolution images of such public domain artifacts often serve as crucial reference points for scholars and collectors worldwide.