Drypoint and some burin. Ca. 1655.
Size: 195 x 150 mm. Surface: 293 cm2.
Not signed, not dated.
Copper Plate
The plate was not part of any of the early sales or collections and is almost certainly not in existence anymore.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2025): extremely rareEarly: 2⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): very rare Early: 36⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⊙
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRRR+, an almost unobtainable rarity, much sought after ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Subject/Sitter
Rembrandt made this portrait just a few years before the same person, in his role as the Bailiff to the Court of Insolvents (Bankruptcy Court), was responsible for arranging the sale of the painter’s possessions after his bankruptcy in 1657-58.
In the list of etched portraits by Le Comte, Haaring is described as Concierge, which is the title as described in a document issued by the Court in 1657.
Related
In the same year Rembrandt also made a portrait of Haaring’s son (B275).
Copies
There is an anonymous etching in the same direction (191 x 146 mm).
Attributions and reviews
The etching is considered as special by Seidlitz, Rovinsky, Wilson, Blanc and Dutuit.
States
NH lists three states, all contemporary. The second state of NH is ‘new’. Most other authors list two states. Nowell-Usticke lists one trial proof and one state.
In the 1st state (NH, WB, R725/NU trial proof A) there is a very faint indication of a pillar behind Haaring. The curtain does not reach as far as the left hand side of the window.
In the 2nd state (NH only) two shaded pillars seem te be added, the curtain is increased in height and width. It now covers part of the frame and the window. There is additional work in the face and the right knee.
In the 3rd state (NH/2nd state WB, R726-727/1st state NU) there is horizontal shading added to the triangle above the left wrist.
Nowell-Usticke points at the presence of so much burr that it is difficult to analyse the various states more in detail.
Prints and collections
Of the 1st state only one impression is known, on Japanese paper, in the Albertina.
Of the 2nd state also only one impression is known, on Japanese paper, in the Bibliothèque Nationale.
An impression of the 3rd state, formerly in the collection Josefowitz, sold at Christie’s London in December 2023, is printed on vellum.
Watermarks
In the 3rd state: Arms of Amsterdam; Countermark OM; Foolscap with seven-pointed collar; Strasbourg lily; Words (> 1698)
Literature
H 287, BB 55-1, G 254, M 287, Mz 76, RA 725-727, Cl 271, W 276, Bl 178, Du 261, CD 243, S 115-116
