Etching. Ca. 1629.
Size: 122 x 95 mm. Surface: 116 cm2.
Not signed, not dated. Dates vary from 1628 to 1631 (Biörk lund).
Copper Plate
The copperplate was not part of any of the early sales or 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: 2 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): O-, Unobtainable
Description
This is one of the first etchings of beggars, of which Rembrandt will make many more drawings and etchings in later years.
It is the first in which a couple is shown.
Copies
There is a copy in the same direction by Leopold Flameng in Blanc’s catalogue (1859-61, p 381 I, 100 x 78 mm).
Attributions and reviews
The plate was made by a pupil according to Seidlitz and Campbell Dodgson.
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Coppier, Michel and Singer.
States
One state only.
Prints and collections
There are only two impressions known, one in the Rijksmuseum and one in the Bibliothèque Nationale (R517). The latter is cut down and printed on the reverse of a unique impression of the 1st state of The Leper (B171).
Literature
H 77a, BB 31-16, G 175, M 13, Mz 99, RA 517, Cl 180, W 180, Bl 145, Du 179, CD 290
