Etching. Ca. 1629.
Size: 67 x 65 mm. Surface: 44 cm2.
Signed with a monogram in the 2nd state in the lower left corner: RL Not dated.
Copper Plate
The plate was not part of any of the major, early collections and is probably not in existence.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2023): not seen in auctions
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 11 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRRR+ ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Description
The resemblance of this portrait with other self-portraits is quite strong. Yet, Nowell-Usticke suggested that it may also be a portrait of Jan Lievens.
Related
As is the case for several self-portraits from this early period, this etching is closely related to some works created around 1628-1629 like paintings in the Rijksmuseum (Corpus A14, dated c. 1628), the Alte Pinakotek (Corps A19, dated 1629) and the National Museum in Nurnberg (Corpus A21 copy 1, dated c. 1629). As well as drawings in the British Museum (Benesch 53) and the Rijksmuseum (Benesch 54).
Copies
NH lists one copy in the same direction by Leopold Flameng, included in Blanc’s catalogue (1859-61) p. II 167 (67 x 64 mm).
Attributions and reviews
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Coppier and Singer.
States
As all other authors, NH lists three states.
In the 1st state (NH, WB, BB, H, NU) the plate edges are rough.
In the 2nd state (NH, WB, BB, H, NU) the initials are added and cross-hatching is added in the upper corners.
In the 3rd state (NH, WB, BB, H, NU) fine diagonal scratches show at the tip of the nose. The dark areas are reworked.
Literature
H 61, BB Rej.66, Y 127, M 43, Mz 281, RA 881-882, Cl 324, W 34, Bl 227, Du 34, CD 301
