The Hundred Guilder Print c. 1648

Rembrandt van Rijn created this etching, "The Hundred Guilder Print," in the Dutch Republic during the 1640s. This print depicts Jesus preaching and healing the sick, drawing from multiple passages in the Gospel of Matthew. Rembrandt’s selection of this subject matter reflects the religious and social climate of the Netherlands at the time. The Dutch Reformed Church held considerable influence, emphasizing personal piety and social responsibility. Rembrandt, known for his interest in human emotion and social dynamics, uses light and shadow to highlight the spiritual and physical conditions of the people surrounding Jesus. Prints such as this one allowed for wider distribution of religious imagery in a society where access to art was often limited to the wealthy. The etching’s high price reflects Rembrandt’s status as a leading artist and the value placed on religious art during the Dutch Golden Age. By studying archival records, religious texts, and contemporary social histories, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in 17th-century Netherlands.