Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 Leiden – Amsterdam 1669 A Cavalry Fight

Etching with drypoint on laid paper. (c. 1652). 15.3 x 20 cm (sheet).

Period

15th-18th Century

Technique

Prints

Details

Bartsch 46; White/Boon 46 VIII (von VIII); Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 300 VIII (von XI).

Provenienz:
George Björklund (1887 – 1968), Stockholm, verso mit dem Stempel (Lugt 1138c).

Description

A very fine black and velvety impression with burr and the curved lines on the cushion above the child’s head. With a fine margin around the platemark. Rare in this quality.
In the 1650s Rembrandt’s interest in etched depictions of the night had revived. In no fewer than eight plate states, he varies the reflection of the lantern brought by the shepherds and the light source behind the reading Joseph at the front right. From work process to work process, he reduces the light more and more and, through the darkness, achieves an ever greater concentration on the essentials of the event. – A small hole the size of a tear nail in the upper edge. Verso with two paper rubbings and remnants of old mounting, otherwise a very fine copy.