Jan Cornelis Sylvius, Preacher by Rembrandt Van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn
1606–1669 | Dutch

Jan Cornelis Sylvius, Preacher

New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish (Rembrandt) 235, state 2/2
Bartsch 280
Printed by Rembrandt
Signed and dated "Rembrandt 1646" (top center) Etching on paper

Renowned among the Old Masters, the Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is widely regarded as the greatest etcher in the history of art. As the foremost Dutch printmaker, his body of work includes nearly 300 authenticated prints, distinguished by groundbreaking techniques that redefined the medium. This remarkable 1646 etching was printed by Rembrandt himself and captures the esteemed Dutch minister Johannes Cornelis Sylvius seated at his desk, holding a closed book in one hand and gesturing thoughtfully with the other.

A luminous and lifelike portrayal, the oval-framed composition underscores Rembrandt’s mastery of etching, with his characteristic ability to bring a subject to life through dramatic contrasts and meticulous detail. The expert shadowing of Sylvius's extended right hand makes it appear to reach beyond the surface of the paper. The surrounding Latin inscriptions celebrate Sylvius’s eloquence, piety and steadfast dedication to his pastoral duties. The lengthy text below the image, composed by poets Caspar Barlaeus and Petrus Sylvius, extols his spiritual leadership, virtuous life and profound impact on the communities he served across Friesland and Amsterdam. See translations below.

The son of a miller, Rembrandt van Rijn is believed to have been born in Leiden on July 15, 1606. He studied first at the Latin School and then was enrolled at the University of Leiden at the age of 14. He soon left to study art—first with a local master, Jacob van Swanenburch, and then, in Amsterdam, with Pieter Lastman, known for his historical paintings. Rembrandt was an exceptionally gifted student and mastered his art in a mere six months. Now 22 years old, he returned to Leiden and was soon so highly regarded that he was able to take students of his own.

Now considered one of the greatest artists of all time, almost every major institution has examples of his etchings. Additional second-state etchings of this portrait reside in esteemed collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Galleries of Scotland, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others.

Dated 1646

Etching: 11" high x 7 1/2" wide (27.94 x 19.05 cm)
Frame: 19 1/2" high x 15 1/2" wide x 1 1/8" deep (49.53 x 39.37 x 2.86 cm)

Inscription:
Below the image, 16 lines of Latin text by Caspar Barlaeus and Petrus Sylvius:
"His eloquence taught adoration of Christ,
And revealed to the people the true way to the heavens.
Such was the face of Sylvius; we heard him
Speak to these citizens of Amsterdam with his voice.
He gave instruction to the Frisians: piety
And religion long stood protected by his stern defense.
His venerable age shone with its virtues,
And weary old age rendered learned men.
A lover of simplicity, he scorned the pretense of outward appearance,
Nor did he wish to please good men merely with his looks.
Thus he determined: Jesus is better taught by life,
And the thunder of words is less effective.
Amsterdam, remember him who has passed,
Who shaped this city with his morals,
He shone here by the very presence of God himself.“
— C. Barlaeus

"No longer do I extol his virtues,
Which I admire and vainly pursue in verse."
— P. S.

Around the oval:
"Christ is my hope. Johannes Cornelij Sylvius. From Amsterdam, having served as minister of the Word of God for 45 years and 6 months, in Friesland at Tyemarum and Phridgum for 4 years, at Balk and Harich for a single year, in Minnertsga for 4 years, at Slot for 6 years, and in Amsterdam for 28 years and 6 months, where he died in the year 1638, November 19th, aged 74 years."

Literature:
Bartsch, Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of the Principal Dutch and Flemish Painters, 280
Erik Hinterding, Jacob Rutgers, and Ger Luijten, New Hollstein: Rembrandt, Vol. I, cat. no. 142