Rembrandt often used drypoint to create his etchings. Specifically, he would add drypoint to his etchings to enhance the velvety textures of the materials that he used. Rembrandt also often experimented with those materials. For instance, he experimented with the inking and the wiping of his copper plates to create tonal effects. He also used different types of paper to change how the ink would absorb into them. Overall, Rembrandt produced approximately 290 prints in his lifetime.
One of the techniques used for making prints is etching. Here the medium is a thin copper plate. This is covered with an acid-resistant mixture known as the etching ground, composed of asphalt, resin and wax. ... We know that Rembrandt used a fairly soft, pasty etching ground of his own devising.
