Etching. Ca. 1629.
Size: 96 x 120 mm. Surface: 116 cm2.
Signed with a monogram in drypoint in reverse, in the middle of the top: RHL Not dated.
Copper Plate
The copperplate was cut up into five separate parts, which are listed as (from top left to bottom right): B 334, B 333, B 143, B303 and B 300.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2025): not seen in auctions
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 3 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): O-, an unobtainable rarity, three known
Description
A very peculiar print of which only three impressions are known. There is little doubt that the original, uncut plate is by Rembrandt. But the plate was later cut into five small ones. It is likely that these plates are worked over by other hands. It seems that the first version of this print showed a 6th head, but it was later erased.
Attributions and reviews
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Coppier and Singer.
States
NH and WB list one state only, some other authors list two states, Nowell-Usticke considers these to be trial proofs.
In the 1st state (NU trial proof a) the head of the man at left failed in the biting.
In the 2nd state (NU trial proof b) the head at left is retouched. A black mark (the shape of a pistol, BB) appears above the head of the man at the bottom right.
Prints and collections
The three known impressions (the men at the left clipped of) are in the Bibliothèque Nationale, the Albertina and the British Museum.
Literature
H 41, BB 31-3, G 332, M 83, Mz 31, RA 948, Cl 356, W 360, Bl 308, Du 354, CD 44
