289 - Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606, Leiden – Amsterdam, 1669), Jan Asselijn, Painter (“Krabbetje”).

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606, Leiden – Amsterdam, 1669), Jan Asselijn, Painter (“Krabbetje”). Etching, engraving, and drypoint on laid paper. (c. 1647). 22.3 x 17.7 cm (sheet). Bartsch 277; White/Boon 277 III (of III); Hinterding/Rutgers/ (The New Hollstein) 236 IV (of VII). Provenance: P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., London, with their stock number “C. 2744” in pencil on the reverse; John Webster (1810–1891), Aberdeen, Scotland, with his collector’s stamp on the reverse (Lugt 1554); Unidentified collector’s mark, the initials ‘G.W.’ (?) in brown ink on the reverse (not in Lugt); Unidentified collector’s mark, the initials ‘W.L.’ (?) in brown ink on the reverse (not in Lugt). A superb impression of New Hollstein’s fourth state (of seven), printed with rich burr and delicate plate tone, before the addition of further shading to the sitter’s face. The easel and painting in the background have been completely burnished out. With narrow margins. Jan Asselijn (circa 1614–1652) was a Dutch landscape painter who returned to Amsterdam in 1647 after spending many years in Italy. Rembrandt etched this portrait in the same year. It is the first etched portrait Rembrandt made of a fellow artist. Rather than depicting Asselijn with the conventional attributes of his profession, Rembrandt focuses on the sitter himself, presenting him with striking immediacy and informality. – A tiny tear at the lower left edge. The reverse side has occasional areas of paper thinning along the edges from a previous mounting and a very few small brown spots. Otherwise in very good condition. Taxation: subject to regular taxation (VAT: Regular Taxation).