Jan Uytenbogaert, Preacher of the Remonstrants by Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn
1606-1669 | Dutch

Jan Uytenbogaert, Preacher of the Remonstrants

New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish (Rembrandt) 153, state 4/9
Bartsch 279, state 4/6
Printed by Rembrandt
Signed "Rembrandt F" (upper left) and dated 1635 (upper right)
Etching on paper

Among the very best of the Old Masters stands the revered Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, arguably the greatest etcher in the history of art. The most important Dutch printmaker of all time, his oeuvre features close to 300 authenticated prints, and his innovative techniques in the medium are without precedent. This superb etching, printed by Rembrandt himself and entitled Jan Uytenbogaert, Preacher of the Remonstrants, displays the artistry and detail for which Rembrandt's prints are renowned.

Bedecked in elaborate garb, Jan Uytenbogaert, a preacher, sits at his study, an open book in front of him. Rembrandt highlights his subject with illumination, creating a strong contrast against the dark, draped background. Intricate lines convey the feel of rich fabric, particularly on Uytenbogaert’s collar as well as the fur-lined coat thrown over his shoulders.

As the leader of the Dutch Remonstrants, Uytenbogaert (1577-1644) was one of the most influential men in Holland until his exile in 1618. The Remonstrants (or the Remonstrant Brotherhood) were a Protestant movement that split from the Dutch Reformed Church in the early 17th century. Until Uytenbogaert’s banishment, in the wake of the victory of orthodox Calvinism over Remonstrantism, he exercised great political sway, partly in his function as tutor of Prince Frederik Hendrik. After his return to Holland, he settled in The Hague but paid frequent visits to Amsterdam.

This portrait of Uytenbogaert was Rembrandt’s first official commission for an etched portrait. Until this work, he had made portrait etchings only of members of his family. The official nature of this portrait is underlined by its Latin inscription: “He who was honored by the pious and the army was damned by the assembled preachers. Worse handled by fate than by time, he now returns, The Hague, to you.” These types of inscriptions were a common feature of formal etched portraits in the 17th century, though a rarity in Rembrandt’s works. 

Dated 1635

Etching: 8 7/8" high x 7" wide (22.23 x 17.78 cm)
Frame: 19 1/2" high x 17 1/2" wide x 1 1/8" deep (49.53 x 44.45 x 2.86 cm)

A note on the state:
The fourth state of this modest yet imposing portrait is exceptionally rare; earlier states have become unobtainable—with Hinterding and Rutgers recording only five impressions of the first three states combined.

Provenance:
With Kennedy Galleries, New York (with their stock number a43241 in pencil, verso)
Sale, Sotheby's, New York, 15 February 1980, lot 1106
Collection of Sam Josefowitz (Lugt 6094), acquired at the above sale
Private Collection, by descent from above
M.S. Rau, New Orleans

Literature:
Bartsch, The Complete Engraver: A Catalogue of Engravings in the Hollstein Collection, ed. John Hollstein (London: Royal Academy Press, 1880), 279. State 4/6
Hind, Edward, The History of Engraving and Etching (New York: Metropolitan Museum Press, 1895), 128
Hinterding, Erik, Jacob Rutgers, and Ger Luijten, New Hollstein: Rembrandt, Vol. I, p. 246, cat. no. 153 (this impression cited)
Stogdon, James, A Treatise on Engraving (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1910), 330.