The plate was not in any of the early sales or collections and is probably lost.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2025): rare Early: 9 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⊙⊙
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): rare Early: 45 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⊙⊙
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRR, a very rare small head ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⊙
Picture
The hair on top is still visible through the cap, making it likely that the cap was added at a later stage. There may even have been impressions of the bare-headed state, as Jordan has suggested, but these have so far not surfaced. Hind mentions that some impressions show a faint ‘R’ in the background at left.
Related
Bearded men were a favourite subject of Rembrandt, since he made many etchings and several drawings of them. Like the drawings now in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm (Benesch 38), the National Gallery in Washington DC (Benesch 37), the Teylers Museum in Haarlem (Benesch 40) and the Kupferstichkabinett in Berlin (Benesch 41).
All in red chalk, the latter two also in black chalk.
Copies
NH lists four copies, of which two in the same direction. Copy B is anonymous (62 x 54 mm). Copy D is by Ignace Joseph De Claussin (67 x 94 mm, same plate used for B374, WB 1). There are two copies in reverse. Copy A is anonymous, inscribed R 1641 (94 x 52 mm, WB 2). Copy C is by Honoré Coussin, inscribed rembran h.c.f. (two states, 122 x 85 mm, WB 3).
Attributions and reviews
The etching is considered special by Rovinsky and De Claussin.
Seidlitz thinks that this etching is by the hand of Salomon de Koninck.
Campbell Dodgson and Singer also consider this an etching to be made by a pupil.
States
NH, like most authors, lists two states, both contemporary.
In the 1st state (NH, WB, R830) the shading of the bust stops above the lower margin. The plate edges are rough and uneven.
In the 2nd state (NH, WB, R831) the shading is continued to the lower margin and several other small changes.
Prints and collections
There are two impressions of the 1st state, in the British Museum and in the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.
Watermarks
In the 2nd state: Double-headed eagle (1632-34);
Literature
H 158, BB 38-C, G 289, M 64, Mz 44, RA 830-831, Cl 308, W 313, Bl 278, Du 308, CD 51 Baas 2015, p. 100-101;
Rembrandt in Black & White: 197
NH/WB: 2nd and final state
A good, but lightly inked, possibly somewhat later impression.
Sheet 64 x 55 mm, thread margins of 0,5 to 1 mm all around, platemark well visible (+5%).
No watermark, horizontal chain lines at approx. 24 mm.
Provenance
With the Railings Gallery, New Cavendish Street, London W1, according to a sticker on the back.
Exhibitions
Rembrandt, de fotograaf, Westfries Museum (Hoorn), June 2024 – January 2025;
