262 - Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606, Leiden – Amsterdam, 1669), *The Flight into Egypt: Crossing a Brook*.

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606, Leiden – Amsterdam, 1669), *The Flight into Egypt: Crossing a Brook*. Etching, engraving, and drypoint on laid paper. (1654). 9.5 x 14.4 cm (sheet). Bartsch 55; White/Boon 55; Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 277, only this state. Provenance: Julian Manheimer (1871–1947), Zurich, with his collector’s stamp on the reverse (Lugt 1840d). A superb, strong, and early impression of New Hollstein’s only state, with the characteristic burr and the nuances of foul biting around the donkey’s forelegs clearly visible. The fine double vertical scratch on the Virgin’s left cheek and the fine diagonal scratch across her light shoulder are distinct, as are the fine vertical wiping scratches in the lower left corner; the corners of the plate are still square. Trimmed on or to the platemark. One of a total of eight prints on the subject of the Flight into Egypt or the Rest on the Flight into Egypt, all of which differ considerably in style, composition, and format, this etching once again demonstrates Rembrandt’s remarkable willingness to experiment with the medium and his ability to adapt his technique to different pictorial challenges. By applying acid directly and loosely to the plate—using a technique known as “open bite”—Rembrandt created a painterly effect that convincingly evokes the flowing surface of the stream along the lower edge of the composition. – A small brown spot in the lower left. The reverse side has a flattened vertical crease, remnants of a previous mounting, and some light staining. Otherwise in good condition. Taxation: subject to regular taxation (VAT: Regular Taxation).