REMBRANDT HARMENSZ. VAN RIJN | SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST, HALF-LENGTH, WEARING A RUFF AND A BLACK HAT

Property of a Private Collector
REMBRANDT HARMENSZ. VAN RIJN
Leiden 1606 - 1669 Amsterdam
SELF-PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST, HALF-LENGTH, WEARING A RUFF AND A BLACK HAT

signed and dated: Rembrant · ft./ 1632 (centre right)
oil on oak panel
21.8 by 16.3 cm.; 8⅝ by 6⅜ in.

Condition Report:
The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's:

Structural Condition
The artist's panel is uncradled and is structurally sound and secure with an even profile. The
reverse of the panel is inscribed 'AG'.

Paint Surface
The paint surface has an even varnish layer.
Inspection under ultraviolet light shows scattered retouchings which are concentrated in the
black pigments of the artist's hat and costume and in particular in the lower right of his black
cloak. There is also a very small spot on the artist's white collar and a very thin vertical line
though his moustache. It should be stressed that these retouchings all appear to have been
very carefully applied and that the fine details of the painting, and of the face in particular,
appear to be very well preserved with minimal inpainting.

Summary
The painting would therefore appear to be in good and stable condition and no further work is
required.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Provenance:
Vinot sale, Paris (Mannheim, Chevalier), 26–30 January 1891, to Henry Robert Brand, 2nd Viscount Hampden (according to a label on the reverse)

Thence by descent to Leila Emily, Viscountess Hampden, wife of Thomas Henry, 4th Viscount Hampden (d. 1965)

By whom anonymously sold ('The Property of a Lady'), London, Sotheby's, 8 April 1970, lot 20 (as Rembrandt), for £650 to Leegenhoek

J.O. Leegenhoek, Paris

By whom given to his wife

By whom sold in March 1996 to a private collector

By whom sold via Robert Noortman to a private collector, New York

By whom sold to Noortman Master Paintings

From whom acquired for the present collection on 20 September 2005