View of the Diemerdijk with a milkman and cottages

View of the Diemerdijk with a milkman and cottages is a notable print created by Rembrandt van Rijn around 1650. Unlike many contemporary graphic works made on conventional European stock, this piece was executed on Japanese paper, a specialized, handmade paper highly prized by Rijn for its unique texture and tonal properties. This choice of support emphasizes the delicate lines and subtle gradations achieved through the drypoint and etching techniques employed by the artist. The use of such fine paper allowed Rijn to experiment creatively with ink saturation and luminosity, key elements in his celebrated graphic works from this period.

The subject matter captures a slice of contemporary Dutch life, depicting the Diemerdijk, a significant embankment and roadway connecting Amsterdam to the surrounding countryside. The scene is punctuated by modest cottages and the figure of a milkman conducting his daily routine. Rijn often focused on the common landscapes immediately outside Amsterdam during the mid-17th century, transforming ordinary topographical features into profound studies of light and atmosphere. While many of Rijn’s prints are known for their dramatic biblical or portrait subjects, his landscapes like this one offer intimate views that helped define the tradition of Dutch realism.

This specific impression of the Diemerdijk print is held in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. As a quintessential example of Rijn’s mature graphic output, the careful balance between the detailed foreground elements and the vast, open sky demonstrates why his prints remain among the most revered artistic achievements of the Dutch Golden Age. Due to its age and cultural significance, this celebrated work is often utilized in educational resources and is generally available for study in the public domain.