The plate was not part of any of the major, early collections and is probably not in existence anymore.

It is generally assumed (f.i. by Hind) that this plate, just as B 286 and B 288, is a copy (in reverse) made after an etching by Jan Lievens (in this case B20, Holl. 39). It is also assumed to be the work of a pupil (Ferdinand Bol, according to Münz) with retouches by Rembrandt. The addition ‘geretuckert’ to the signature supports this view. A similar qualification was found at some paintings in the list of the inventory of 1656. It is more likely that he made the picture after the Lievens etchings.

NH lists five copies of which one (copy B) in the same direction, an engraving by Richard Girling (163 x 110 mm).
There are four copies in reverse. Copy A is by John Smith of Chichester (147 x 126 mm, WB 2). Copy C and D are anonymous (resp. 113 x 106 mm and 155 x 128 mm, WB 2, not traced by NH). Copy E is anonymous, previously attributed to Stefano della Bella (46 x 73 mm, WB 3).

According to ao Hind, Seidlitz, Dutuit, Michel, Campbell Dodgson and Singer this etching is probably executed by a pupil and retouched by Rembrandt.

NH and most other authors list one state only, Nowell-Usticke two. Both contemporary.
Most impressions of the 1st state (NU) are pretty dark with much burr.
In the 2nd state (NU only) various retouches are applied. The impressions are greyish and show some wear.

Double-headed eagle (c. 1637); Strasbourg lily (c. 1646-48); Foolscap with five-pointed collar.

H 132, BB 35-4 G 266, M 123, Mz 52, RA 778, Cl 284, W 289, Bl 288, Du 284, CD 266
R. van Straten, p. 180-184; Hinterding 2008, p. 526-527; Rembrandts Radierungen 2011, p. 60-61; Baas 2015, p. 122-123;

NH, WB: Only state
An impression with some pen and ink retouches, a thinner area associated with two small tears upper right, tiny stains left under and other minor defects.
Sheet: 151/152 x 125 mm, thread margins, partially cut at the plate mark (+1%).
No watermark, horizontal chain lines at approx. 25 mm.

Rembrandt in Zwart-Wit, Het Hannemahuis (Harlingen) March-June 2014,
Rembrandt in Black & White, Schloβ Britz (Berlin), Bozar Expo (Brussels) October 2015-May 2016;
Rembrandt, 17th century photographer, Daegu Art Museum (Korea), November 2023 – March 2024;
Rembrandt, de fotograaf, Westfries Museum (Hoorn), June 2024 – January 2025;