Etching, with touches of drypoint. Ca. 1629.
Size: 36 x 28 mm. Surface: 10 cm2.
Not signed, not dated.
Copper Plate
The copperplate was initially part of a larger plate with various studies (B 366). It was cut up into five separate parts, which are listed as B143, B 300, B303, B 333 and B 334 (this one). None of these smaller plates was included in early auctions or collections. They are probably not in existence anymore.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2023): not seen in auctions
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 11 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): O-, practically unobtainable rarity, from the large plate (B366)
Description
This is a clear example of the series of beggars and street folk that Rembrandt etched in the early part of his career.
Attributions and reviews
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Coppier and Singer.
States
There are large differences in the way the various authors treat the undivided and divided plate. NH lists one state for the undivided plate, as do WB and BB. Other authors list two. The difference is that in the 1st state the outlines still stop short of the plate edges and are extended in the 2nd state. As most authors, NH lists three states for this plate.
The 1st state is the undivided plate (NH, WB).
In the 2nd state the plate is cut and the coat is reworked.
In the 3rd state (NH, WB, R971/4th state H) a drooping moustache is added. There are several other additions, all in drypoint.
In the 3rd state (NU) the plate is heavily reworked.
Literature
H 41A, BB 31-3A, G 332, M 84, Mz 31a, RA 948-949, Cl 326, W 330, Bl 290, Du 325, CD 44-E. Baas 2015, p. 156-157;
