Artwork
Jan Uytenbogaert
Jan Uytenbogaert is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1635, this work is an etching and burin print by Rembrandt van Rijn. The monochrome image presents a seated, elderly male figure rendered in fine linear detail against a dark, unadorned background. The composition is intimate, focusing on the sitter’s face, hands, and the texture of his fur‑trimmed coat.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts an older man with a full beard, curly hair, and a contemplative expression. He rests his chin on one hand while the other grasps a small object, possibly a key or ring, suggesting personal significance or status. The serious, thoughtful demeanor invites speculation about the sitter’s identity and role.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt employed a combination of etching and burin work, using delicate lines to model facial wrinkles and the plush fur collar. Cross‑hatching creates subtle tonal gradations, while the stark contrast between light and shadow heightens the three‑dimensional effect. The print exemplifies the artist’s mastery of line to convey texture and mood.
History & Provenance
The print belongs to Rembrandt’s early period, when he produced numerous portrait etchings for the Dutch market. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been documented in several catalogues of Rembrandt’s prints and is held in public collections that specialize in 17th‑century graphic art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
