Why was Jan Asselyn nicknamed 'Krabbetje'?

Asselyn was called "Krabbetje" (Little Crab) because of his deformed left hand. Rembrandt thoughtfully positioned the arm in his portrait to conceal this disability.

What is Rembrandt's portrait medium?

This work is an etching, drypoint, and burin print, not a painting. Rembrandt was a master printmaker whose portrait etchings are highly prized by collectors.

What is Jan Asselyn famous for painting?

Asselyn was a Dutch Golden Age landscape painter who specialized in Italian scenes. His most famous work, "The Threatened Swan" at the Rijksmuseum, may be an allegory of Dutch nationalism.

Where Is Portrait of Jan Asselyn? Museum Location

Rembrandt made this portrait of his fellow artist Jan Asselyn around 1647, using etching, drypoint, and burin techniques. Asselyn was a landscape painter known as "Krabbetje" (Little Crab) because of a deformed left hand. Rembrandt carefully positioned Asselyn's arm to conceal the disability, showing sensitivity to his friend's condition.

Asselyn had spent years in Italy as a member of the Bentvueghels, northern artists who painted the sun-drenched Roman countryside. Upon returning to Amsterdam in 1647, he became part of Rembrandt's circle. His most famous painting, "The Threatened Swan" at the Rijksmuseum, is often interpreted as an allegory of Dutch nationalism.

Versions of this portrait etching can be found at the State Hermitage Museum, the National Galleries of Scotland, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The print demonstrates Rembrandt's mastery of etching as a medium for intimate, psychologically rich portraits.