Etching. Ca. 1631.
Size: 57 x 49 mm, in the 3rd state 50 x 41 mm. Surface: 28, later 21 cm2.
Signed (not by Rembrandt) in monogram in the upper left corner: Rt. Not dated.
Copper Plate
The copperplate was not part of any of the major, early collections and is probably not in existence. B 338
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2023): not seen in auctions
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 9 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRRR+, an almost unobtainable rarity. Rejected by some ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Attributions and reviews
Many authors, like Seidlitz, Rovinsky, Münz and White-Boon, consider this plate to be made or worked over by another artist, probably Johannes van Vliet.
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Coppier, Michel and Singer.
States
Most authors list three states, NH four, the final state is ‘new’.
In the 1st state (NH, WB, NU) the man is bareheaded, the signature missing.
In the 2nd state (NH, WB, NU) the cap and signature are added.
In the 3rd state (NH, WB, NU) the plate is reduced to 50 x 41 mm., partially cutting off the signature. Hairs are added to the beard, especially at the left side.
In the 4th state (NH only) again more hairs are added, like under the lips.
Prints and collections
Unique impressions of the 1st and 4th state are in respectively the British Museum and the Bibliothèque National.
Literature
H 88, BB Rej-68, Y 132, M 96, Mz 294, RA 887-889, Cl 328, W 332, Bl 280, Du 327, CD 303. Baas 2015, p. 158-159;
