1648_Hundred_Guilder_Print_Rembrandt.txt

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Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669
Hundred Guilder Print

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

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to Matthew 19:1

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 as it may be, this etching is not representative for Rembrandt's work. Usually he picked one person or one event, but in this print he tried to depict all the events in chapter 19 of the gospel of Matthew.

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

In the background on the left a group of Pharisees discuss about what they've just been told.

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 faithfull life.