Clement De Jonghe 1651

Rembrandt van Rijn created this etching of Clement de Jonghe, an art dealer, in the 17th century, a period marked by the rise of the Dutch Republic and its burgeoning merchant class. Here, Rembrandt captures de Jonghe in a moment of quiet repose, seated and draped in a cloak, his expression suggesting a thoughtful demeanor. Rembrandt himself was no stranger to financial difficulty, and his choice to portray de Jonghe, a man who facilitated the circulation of art as a commodity, speaks volumes about the relationship between artistic creation and commerce during this era. De Jonghe's attire and posture reflect the understated elegance and somber tones favored by the Dutch bourgeoisie, a class that was beginning to define itself through its values of hard work, sobriety, and civic responsibility. As you look at this portrait, consider the complex interplay between artist, dealer, and patron, and how this network shaped not only the production of art but also its interpretation and value.