Etching. 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 (this one) and B 334. 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): very rare Early: 20 Late: 8 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⊙
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRRR, of the greatest rarity, cut from the large plate ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
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
Münz thinks that changes in later states were made by Johannes van Vliet.
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. Most authors list seven states, NH eight, the final two not by Rembrandt.
The 1st state is the undivided plate (NHD, WB).
In the 2nd state (NH, WB, BB, R, H, NU) the plate is cut, the surrounding motives are mainly removed. Several lines are added. The cap is darkened by new shading.
In the 3rd state (NH) the outline of the nose and the face is changed.
In the 4th state (NH/3rd state WB, BB, R, H, NU) the coat, the back of the neck and the cheek are further shaded. Possibly not by Rembrandt (NHD).
In the 5th state (NH/4th state WB, BB, R, H, NU) the white area on the top right side of the cap is worked over with shading.
In the 6th state (NH/5th state WB, BB, R, H, NU) the shading on the cap and coat are darkened. The fold on the coat is no longer visible.
In the 7th state (NH/6th state WB) there diagonal hatching added to the coat. Not by Rembrandt (NHD).
In the 8th state (NH/7th state WB) the left collar is shaded and the right shoulder is covered by heavy shading.
Prints and collections
Of the 3rd state only one impression is known, in the Kupferstichkabinett in Berlin.
Literature
H 41B, BB 31-3B, G 332, M 85, Mz 31b, RA 948-949, Cl 325, W 329, Bl 292, Du 324, CD 44-D. Baas 2015, p. 154-155;
