Printmaker Biographies

Rembrandt van Rijn

(1606–1669)

“Reclining Female Nude” by Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the most renowned artists of the Dutch Golden Age, was a master of painting, drawing, and printmaking.

Born in Leiden, Netherlands, he began his artistic journey studying under Jacob van Swanenburgh and Pieter Lastman before establishing himself as an independent artist in Amsterdam. Rembrandt’s printmaking skills are unparalleled, with drypoint becoming one of his most celebrated techniques.

His ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion, light, and shadow brought a depth to his prints that set him apart from his contemporaries. His drypoint works, such as Christ Preaching and The Three Crosses, exemplify his mastery over the medium, blending etched and drypoint lines to create dynamic compositions with rich textures and atmospheric effects.

While he achieved fame and wealth during his early career, Rembrandt faced personal and financial hardships later in life. Despite these challenges, he continued to produce innovative and deeply moving works. Today, his prints are regarded as some of the greatest achievements in Western art history.