Jan Asselijn, painter ('Krabbetje') after 1646

This undated print depicts Jan Asselijn, a Dutch painter nicknamed 'Little Crab' for his deformed hand. The print is a copy of an etching by Rembrandt, suggesting a strong interest in circulating Asselijn's image amongst a broader public. In 17th century Netherlands, the art market was booming and artists were celebrities. Prints like these played a crucial role in constructing and disseminating artistic reputations. Asselijn's confident pose and fashionable attire project an image of success. The papers on the table allude to his artistic activity. Consider the culture of portraiture at this time. It served not just as a record but as a statement of social standing. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed today, is an institution that shapes how we understand Dutch art history. By studying archival materials like letters, inventories, and early auction catalogs, we can better understand the social conditions that allowed Asselijn and this print to flourish. We can examine how art, even then, was deeply embedded in a network of commerce, status, and representation.