The Hundred Guilder Print c. 1649

Curator: This is Rembrandt van Rijn’s etching, "The Hundred Guilder Print," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The immediate feeling is one of profound empathy; the figures seem bathed not just in light, but also in a shared sense of human vulnerability. Curator: Absolutely, and it is important to consider how the print gained its unusual title. Apparently, it was sold for an exceptionally high price during Rembrandt's lifetime, equivalent to a hundred guilders. Editor: It's compelling how Rembrandt's use of light and shadow creates such a stark contrast between the divine and the suffering, reflecting societal inequalities of his time. Curator: Indeed, Rembrandt consistently engaged with the socio-political dynamics of his era, often highlighting marginalized communities through religious narratives. Editor: Looking at the image now, I'm struck by how relevant these themes of compassion and social justice remain.