The plate may have been part of the collection of Clement de Jonghe (1679), as ‘3 een jonghman met een Persiaansche mutz’. It is probably not anymore in existence.

This etching is part of the series of beggars and street folk that Rembrandt etched between 1628 and 1631. It is probably one of the later prints in the series because the figure is much more ‘complex’  than the earlier ones.
Based on the type of hat, the person was identified as a Polish man, but it is probably a soldier.

There are two copies in reverse. Copy A is anonymous, signed RL 1630 (90 x 66, later 77 x 55 mm, WB). Copy B is signed by Jean Sauveur LeGros (91 x 51 mm).

The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Michel and Singer.

New Hollstein lists thirteen states, the final four states not by Rembrandt. Most other authors list six states, Biörklund five.
In the 1^st state (NH, WB, R407, NU) the right hand outline of the seat of the trousers is a single line.
In the 2^nd state (NH, WB, R408, NU only) the outlines are strengthened, the lower part of the leg with a s-shaped line. Several more small alterations.
In the 3^rd state (NH/2^nd state) a horizontal line right of the elbow is strengthened, a short line is added to the lower ‘hengsel’ of the sword. Many more small changes (NH), some difficult to see.
In the 4^th state (NH only) a few short strokes are added to the right side of the hair*.
In the 5^th state (NH/3^rd state WB, R409, NU) the foliage between the stick and leg are burnished away. Diagonal shading is added to the shadow on the left hand side of the trousers. Horizontal lines are added to the sleeve.
In the 6^th state (NH only) the right outline of the stick is redefined. There is further shading to the feather.
In the 7^th state (NH/4^th state WB, R410, NU) there is additional shading to the left side of the trousers, the shadow on the sleeve and the hat, just above the eye.
In the 8^th state (NH only) a few vertical strokes are added under the chin.
In the 9^th state (NH only) a lot of new changes are made, with the burin, like heavy lines added to the shadow of the cap, the contours of the face, hair and shoulders. The outlines of the left shoe are redrawn. Not by Rembrandt (NH).
In the 10^th state (NH/5^th state WB/4^th state BB, NU) regular cross-hatching is added the feather, the face, the elbow and the left side of the trousers, The lower part of the stick is strengthened again, but there is no line yet between the stick and the left knee.
In the 11^th state (NH/6^th and final state WB, R411/5^th state BB, NU) The line of the bank is added, without any foliage, between the stick and the leg.
In the 12^th state (NH only) an outline is added to the front of the cap.
In the 13^th state (NH only) a few lines are added to the shadow on the trousers above the left shoe.
In the 6^th state (NU) there is strong regular retouching and there are drypoint touches in the foliage.

There is an impression of the 4th state on oatmeal paper in the Rijksmuseum.

H 98, BB 32-5, G 140, M 93, Mz 119, RA 407-411, Cl 140, W 141, Bl 118, Du 139, CD 67

New Hollstein: 11th state of XIII/White-Boon: 6th and final state
A very good, richly inked impression with burr in the foliage at left and inky plate edges. It may also be a 12th or 13th state.
Sheet: 86 x 46 mm, thread margins of 1,5 mm all around (+12%).
No watermark, vertical chain lines at approx. 25 mm.

In the collection of Viscount Fitzharris according to a text verso (not in Lugt).
In the collection of George Nowell-Usticke. In his sale with Sotheby’s New York, 1 May 1968.
With Galerie Michael in Beverly Hills (CA) according to a Certificate of Authenticity attached to the frame.
In the collection of the American set designer John Villarino.

Rembrandt, de fotograaf, Westfries Museum (Hoorn), June 2024 – January 2025;