Original etching and drypoint printed in black ink on laid paper bearing a portion of the
Coat of Arms of Amsterdam watermark (Ash/Fletcher 1).
Platemark: 6 x 4 Sheet size: 6 3/16 x 4 1/4 inches
1641
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Signed and dated in the plate in the title margin below the image lower left Rembrandt f. 1641.
A fine 17th century impression of Bartsch's fourth and final state, Usticke's third state of three, printed after the irregularities along the top and right margins were filled in with cross-hatching. Described by Usticke as 'a scarce plate, face usually light.'
In excellent condition, printed on a sheet with thin margins all around. Collections in which impressions of this state of this etching can be found: Kupferstichkabinett der Staatlichen Museen, Berlin-Dahlem; Ermitage Museum, Leningrad; The British Museum, London; Pierpont Morgan Library, New York. By the early 1640's Rembrandt had learned how to use the drypoint needle to crate textures and dramatic effects. In this etching he has advantageously used drypoint to enrich the black shadows, sketch in delicate facial features and describe the ample folds of luxurious sleeves. The sensuality of the young man's drapery is complimented by his hauteur. However, this is pure theater: the costume is of the 16th century, and the young man was probably one of Rembrandt's students, for he turns up again in an etching completed the same year 'The Card Player'. (B. 136)
Bartsch 261 iv/iv; Hind 189; Biorklund-Barnard 41-L; Usticke 261 iii/iii
