The copperplate was in the sale of Jean de Bary (1759, lot 58) and sold for Fl 9,15 to Hendrik Busserus. It was then reworked in mezzotint, according to Hinterding probably by Pieter Louw (1725-1800) or by Capt. Baillie as other authors suggested.
The plate was not seen since and is probably not anymore in existence.

Samuel Menasseh ben Israel was a Rabbi of the Portuguese synagogue in Amsterdam. He lived near Rembrandt in the Breestraat and was probably a friend patron of Rembrandt. He commissioned four etched illustrations for his book La Piedra Gloriosa (see B36). Apart from being a rabbi, Ben Israel was a publisher and served as a diplomat. He died in 1657 at Middelburg, returning from a mission to Cromwell in England.
Recently the identification as Ben Israel, introduced separately by both Gersaint in 1751 and de Burgy in 1755, has been doubted. Suggested alternatives are Rabbi Saul Levi Morteira (by Dubiez in 1992), Nicolaes de Rye (by Roscam Abbing in 1999) and Samuel Smijters (by Dickey in 2004). So far, their arguments have not convinced others.

A quite formal portrait in a semi-oval (only at the bottom) with ample room under the picture. This may have been reserved for a text honouring the distinguished Rabbi, as was done in the portrait of Joan Uyttenbogaert (B279), made by Rembrandt a year before this portrait.

NH lists five copies of which two in the same direction. Copy C is by Ignace Joseph de Claussin, inscribed Rembrandt f | 1636 (187 x 204 mm, with B177 and B178, WB 1). Copy E is an anonymous woodcut, inscribed MENASSEH BEN ISRAEl (113 x 98 mm).
There are three copies in reverse. Copy A is  published by Johann Georg Hertel, inscribed Rembrandt f. 1636 (140 x 108 mm, WB 3). Copy B is by Claude-Henri Watelet (two states, 105 x 100 mm, WB 2). Copy D is anonymous, signed ER (118 x 105 mm).

The etching is considered as special by Coppier.

NH lists five states, only the first two by Rembrandt. The 4th state is a ‘new’ one. Most other authors list three states, Nowell-Usticke four.
In the 1st state (NH, WB) the outline of the left cheek has a slight indentation. The lobe of the right ear has vertical shading only.
In the 2nd state (NH, WB, R696) the indentation in the outline of the cheek is gone, two diagonal lines cross the lobe of the right ear. Many more small differences (NHD).
In the 3rd state (NH, WB, R697) further shading is added to the hat. The outline of the brim is now clearly defined from the hair and forehead. Not by Rembrandt (NHD).
In the 4th state (NH only) there are additional lines on the hair on both sides of the face. The marks at the bottom are removed.
The 5th state (NU 4th state) is a reworked mezzotint version.

Only four impressions of the 1st state are known, in the Rijksmuseum, the Albertina, the British Museum and the Art Museum in Cincinnati.
There is an impression of the 3rd state on silk (in Frankfurt).

In the 1st state: Arms (1636);
In the 2nd state: Arms of Amsterdam; Strasbourg bend (1646);
In the 3rd and 4th state: Arms of Amsterdam (5 ed.);

H 146, BB 36-C, G 249, M 127, Mz 56, RA 696-697, Cl 266, W 271, Bl 183, Du 266, CD 107;
Fuchs 1968, p. 43-44; De ‘joodse’ Rembrandt 2006, p. 20-23; Hinterding 2008, p. 473-475; Kroniek 2016, p. 62-64;

NHD: 3rd state of V/ WB: 3rd and final state.
A good impression on thin laid paper, with heavy plate tone. Probably made by Jean de Bary (died 1757), who owned at least 29 copperplates by Rembrandt and used these for making impressions. Many with the similar heavy plate tone.
Sheet 153/154 x 110 mm, thread margins all around (+6%).
No watermark, horizontal chain lines at approx. 25 mm.

In the collection of Gustav Friedrich Konstantin Parthey (Berlin 1798 – 1872, Lugt 2014), an archaeologist, writer and collector of prints, especially by Wenceslaus Hollar. His watermark verso.
In the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch (London and Dalkeith, 1806-1884), a famous collection of Dutch art, including several paintings by Rembrandt.His watermark verso (Lugt 402).
Probably sold in auctions of his estate with Christie’s in London in 1887, in which 368 prints by Rembrandt were sold.

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