Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

Hundred Guilder Print

etching (28 × 39 cm) — c. 1648 Museum Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to Matthew 19:1

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Tradition has it that Rembrandt had to pay one hundred guilders to by a copy of his own work. Hence the title Hundred Guilder Print.

Famous though it may be, the etching is not representative of Rembrandt's work. Usually Rembrandt would select a single person or event, but in this print he tries to portray everything mentioned in Matthew 19.

The central shining figure is Jesus, who by then had achieved much fame.

In the background, on the left, a group of Pharisees discuss, with some disdain, what they have just learned.

Peter tries to stop a few women who want to have their children blessed, but Jesus gestures that they come closer.

On the right is a group of sick and disabled people, who are waiting to be cured.

Sitting next to Peter is the rich youngster who has just been told that there is no place in heaven for him until he gives away his wealth to the poor. He is disappointed as he always tried to lead a faithful life.

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