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Rembrandt Harmensz. Van Rijn (1606-1669), born in the Dutch town of Leiden, was influenced by the Renaissance Venetian painters, the Flemish artist Rubens and the Caravaggisti, Dutch artists following the treatment of light and shade of Caravaggio. Rembrandt's paintings included portraits, nudes, religious themes and genre scenes. His virtuosity extended to the graphic media of etching. He produced similar themes in this medium and utilized the chiaroscuro of Caravaggio. If Rembrandt had never painted, he would still be known as a brilliant artist, and he is considered to be the greatest of all etchers.

Etchings are created by covering a copper plate with a layer of wax or resin on which the design is drawn with an etching needle, exposing the metal below but not cutting into its surface. The plate is immersed in acid that etches the exposed areas of the metal. The plate is then inked and wiped clean. The plate and damp paper are passed through the rollers of a press, producing the image. The softness of the medium gives the etcher greater freedom than the woodcutter or the engraver, who work directly on wood or metal. Rembrandt often reworked the metal plates so that they could be used to produce a new issue, called an additional state. Rembrandt combined etching with drypoint and burin. The drypoint is a needle with a sharp point strong enough to carve lines into the copper. As it passes through the copper, it throws up a burr, which retains the ink and creates a velvety line. The burin, an engraving tool with a v-shaped point, cuts a sharp line into the copper. Rembrandt's use of these utensils along with the etching process produced a greater density in his prints.

The Drexel Collection SM is most appreciative of W. Ann Reynolds and Thomas H. Kirschbaum, M. D. for lending their Rembrandt etchings to Drexel University for this exhibition. We are also grateful to Rachel Reynolds, Associate Professor, Department of Culture and Communication at the University, for suggesting The Drexel Collection's Rincliffe Gallery as the venue for the Rembrandt exhibition.