The Hundred Guilder Print c. 1648

"The Hundred Guilder Print" was created by Rembrandt van Rijn in the Dutch Republic, using etching and drypoint. This complex print depicts a scene from the Gospel of Matthew, where Christ preaches and heals the sick. Rembrandt's work reflects the religious and social climate of the 17th-century Netherlands, a time of religious reform and burgeoning capitalism. Note how Rembrandt’s innovative printing techniques allow him to explore themes of poverty, faith, and divine intervention in a highly individual way. His stark contrasts between light and shadow bring a psychological depth to the figures, emphasizing their humanity. To understand this artwork better, we can consult religious texts, social histories of the Dutch Golden Age, and Rembrandt's own writings. These resources help us uncover the cultural context that shaped Rembrandt's vision and the public role of this imagery.