Etching and burin. 1631.
Size: 64 x 57, in the 3rd state 50 x 47 mm. Surface: 36, later cm2.
Signed in monogram and dated, in the upper left corner: Rt 1631
Copper Plate
The plate was not part of any of the major early collections and is probably not in existence anymore.
Rarity of impressions
In auctions (2000-2023): extremely rare Early: 1 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
In collections (New Hollstein – 2013): extremely rare Early: 10 ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Catalogue Nowell-Usticke (1967): RRRR+, Almost unobtainable, rejected by some ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿
Copies
There is an anonymous copy in the same direction, inscribed Rt 1631 (62 x 57 mm).
Attributions and reviews
According to Münz and White-Boon the plate was reworked by Johannes van Vliet or made by him (Rovinsky).
The plate is not by Rembrandt according to Hind, Seidlitz, Middleton, Coppier and Singer.
States
NH lists five states, all contemporary. Most other authors list two states, before and after the reduction of the plate.
In the 1st state (NH, WB, NU) the corners are rounded, there are scratches in the background.
In the 2nd state (NH only) the plate is cleaned, removing the date.
In the 3rd state (NH/2nd state WB, NU) the plate is reduced, cutting of the monogram. The contour of the left shoulder is redrawn and a line is added to the right side of the cap.
In the 4th state (NH only) the extra line on the cap is removed again.
In the 5th state (NH only) there is further work on both lapels.
Prints and collections
Of the 1st and 3rd state unique impressions are in the Albertina and in the Hermitage.
Literature
H 65, BB Rej 59, G 300, M 46, Mz 288, RA 857-859, Cl 315, W 320, Bl 297, Du 315, CD 247 Baas 2015, p. 144-145;
