266 - Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606 Leiden - Amsterdam 1669), Christ at Emmaus: The Larger Plate.

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606 Leiden - Amsterdam 1669), Christ at Emmaus: The Larger Plate. Etching and drypoint on laid paper. (1654). 22.1 x 17 cm (sheet). Bartsch 87; White/Boon 87 II (of III); Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 283 II (of V). A very fine, early lifetime impression of New Hollstein’s second state (of five), printing with pronounced drypoint burr in the curtain to the right of Christ’s head and on the hat and back of the astonished pilgrim at right. With the outline of his hat now completed and additional rays surrounding Christ’s head. With a margin up to 5 mm around the platemark. In the same year that Rembrandt created his small etchings of the childhood of Christ, he produced four larger prints depicting key episodes from Christ’s life. The Supper at Emmaus captures the moment when two disciples recognise the resurrected Christ as he breaks bread before them. Their reactions convey the suddenness of this revelation: one raises his arms in astonishment, while the other clasps his hands in prayer. Christ, seated at the centre, is surrounded by radiant light, while the innkeeper in the foreground remains unaware of the miracle and is correspondingly immersed in shadow. – The upper left corner skilfully restored. With a few tiny, unobtrusive repairs along the upper and lower edges and at the corners. Otherwise in very good condition. Taxation: regelbesteuert (VAT: Regular Taxation).