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.

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