Etching. Ca. 1631.
Size: 49 x 38 mm. Surface: 19 cm2.
Signed and dated in the upper left corner: RHL 1631 (probably not by Rembrandt)
Copper Plate
The plate was not part of any of the early sales or collections and is probably not in existence anymore.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2025): Not seen in auctions
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 14 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRRR+, a practically unobtainable rarity. Rejected by several ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Copies
There is a copy in reverse by William Smith, inscribed RHL. 1631 (two states, 76 x 73 mm, WB).
Attributions and reviews
The etching is made by a pupil according to Hind, Seidlitz, and Campbell Dodgson.
Münz and Rovinsky attribute it to Johannes van Vliet.
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Middleton, Coppier and Singer.
It is included in the New Hollstein as made by the workshop.
States
NH lists four states. Most other authors list one state only, the 2nd state of NHD.
In the 2nd state (NH/WB, NU only state) the lower of the three lines defining the right side of the bust bends downwards.
In the 3rd state (NH only) the foul biting on the cap is covered.
In the 4rd state (NH only) the ear and the neck are shaded out.
Prints and collections
Unique impressions of the 1st and 4th state (NHD) are known, resp. in the British Museum and in the Hermitage.
Of the 3rd state two impressions are known, in the Rijksmuseum and in the British Museum.
NH lists ten impressions of the 2nd state.
Literature
H 70, BB Rej-57, G295 , M 69, Mz 282, RA 843, Cl 312, W 317, Bl 298, Du 312, CD 296 Baas 2015, p. 142-143;
