Jan Uytenbogaert, the Goldweigher by Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn
1606-1669 | Dutch

Jan Uytenbogaert, the Goldweigher

Etching on paper
The New Hollstein Dutch 172 second state (of three)
Signed and dated "Rembrandt f. 1639" (lower left)

Rembrandt's Jan Uytenbogaert, the Goldweigher is an exceptional etching that captures the essence of Holland’s Receiver-General, or chief tax collector, at work. This highly detailed and intimate portrait demonstrates Rembrandt’s masterful ability to combine narrative depth with technical brilliance, offering a glimpse into both the professional and personal life of Uytenbogaert, who played a pivotal role in the artist's own life. Rembrandt likely created this etching as a gesture of thanks to Jan Uytenbogaert, who helped the artist secure a house in Amsterdam in 1639. At the time, Rembrandt was short on funds, awaiting payment for his works for Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange. Uytenbogaert’s successful intervention allowed Rembrandt to complete the purchase soon after.

In this etching, Rembrandt depicts Uytenbogaert seated at a carpet-covered table, meticulously weighing gold with a set of scales while recording payments in a ledger. The scene is rich with detail: a servant kneels beside him, accepting a bag of gold, while a couple waits to enter with more gold. Rembrandt's use of light and shadow adds depth and drama, particularly in the portrayal of Uytenbogaert’s luxurious fur coat and hat, rendered with delicate drypoint lines.

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.

Though known today primarily for his paintings, Rembrandt's fame spread outside the Netherlands thanks to his etchings. He made hundreds of etchings over the course of his career from 1626 until 1660, the year he was forced to sell his presses. He created etchings of a number of subjects, including self-portraits, biblical subjects, saints and allegories, and his work was avidly admired and collected, even during his lifetime.

Dated 1639

Etching: 10“ high x 8 1/8” wide (25.40 x 20.64 cm)
Frame: 22 1/4“ high x 18 1/4” wide (56.52 x 46.36 cm)

Provenance:
  Private collection, Germany
  Private collection, Amsterdam
M.S. Rau, New Orleans

Literature:
Bartsch, Adam. Le Peintre-Graveur. Vol. 1. Leipzig: C.G. Boerner, 1922. No. 281
White, Christopher, and Karel Boon. Rembrandt’s Etchings: An Illustrated Critical Catalogue. Vol. 1. Amsterdam: Van Gendt, 1969. No. 281
Hollstein, F.W.H. Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1949. No. 172, Second state (of III)
Nowell-Usticke, G.W. Rembrandt's Etchings: States and Values. New York: Out of Print Books, 1967
Plate in existence at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem