Etching. Ca. 1627.
Size: 238 x 200 mm. Surface: 476 cm2.
Not signed, not dated. Some authors, like van Straten date this print somewhat later (1630).
Copper Plate
The copperplate was not part of any of the major, early collections and is probably not in existence.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2025): not seen in auctions
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 4 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): O-, unobtainable
Description
There has been some debate about the identity of the sitter. Middleton and Blanc suggested St.Jerome, but all references to him (the lion, the skull, the crucifix) are missing. Since a preliminary drawing of 1629 clearly shows a sword, it is now generally assumed to be St.Paul. According to van Straten this may well be the second etching ever made by Rembrandt.
Related
Rembrandt made a preliminary drawing in red chalk and black ink (Benesch 15, now in the Louvre).
He may also have been inspired by a painting by Lievens, now in the collection of Graf Wachtmeister in Wands.
Biörklund points at a painting in reverse in the Albertina (Bredius 603).
Attributions and reviews
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Seidlitz, Coppier and Singer.
States
NHD lists two states, all other authors only one.
In the 1st state the left hand is on the arm of the chair.
In the 2nd state the left hand is removed.
Prints and collections
Only four impressions of this print are known, three of the 1st state in the Bibliothèque Nationale, in the Dutuit Collection (Paris) and in the Albertina and one of the 2nd state in the Teylers Museum (Haarlem)
Literature
H 4a, BB 27-1, G -, M 176, Mz 243, RA 428-429, Cl 146, W 147, Bl 77, Du 145, CD 6 R. van Straten, Rembrandts Leidse tijd, 1606-1632, 2005, p. 81-82;
