Jan Lutma, 1656
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) (Dutch, 1606–1669)
Etching and drypoint printed on Japan paper; first state of three
Artist Biography
Technical Glossary
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) (Dutch, 1606–1669)
Etching and drypoint printed on Japan paper; first state of three
The Sylmaris Collection, Gift of George Coe Graves, 1920 (20.46.18)
Rembrandt portrayed the renowned gold- and silversmith Jan Lutma (ca. 1584–1669) surrounded by the tools of his trade and his works. The object he holds in his hand may be the stem of a candlestick; a drinking bowl rests on the table beside him, behind a hammer and a vessel containing metal punches. The source of light in the room emanates from a point behind the sitter, a device that allowed Rembrandt to drape most of the figure in shadow, illuminating mainly his face. In the following state of the print, the artist defined that blank wall as a window.
