Portret van de goudsmid Jan Lutma 1656 - 1808

Rembrandt van Rijn made this etching of Jan Lutma, a celebrated goldsmith, using a needle to scratch lines into a metal plate. As a portrait of an artisan, the work stands out against the backdrop of the Dutch Golden Age, a time of immense economic and cultural prosperity where the merchant class held considerable sway. Lutma, captured in his workspace, is surrounded by the tools of his trade. The tools speak volumes about the value placed on craftsmanship and individual skill during this era. The etching captures Lutma's aging face and knowing eyes, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of a man who dedicated himself to his craft. Lutma isn't depicted with the pomp of the wealthy merchants who commissioned portraits at the time, but with a quiet dignity that honors his profession. Rembrandt elevates the everyday, turning the focus away from nobility to the virtues of labor and the depth of human experience.