296 - Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606 Leiden – Amsterdam 1669), *The Artist’s Mother Seated, in an Oriental Headdress*: Half-length.

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606 Leiden – Amsterdam 1669), *The Artist’s Mother Seated, in an Oriental Headdress*: Half-length. Etching on laid paper, Basilisk watermark (cf. Hinterding, variant C’a.2o). (1631). 15 x 13.4 cm (sheet). Bartsch 348; White/Boon 348 II (of III); Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 86 V (of VI). Provenance: Antonio Cesare Poggi (1744–1836), London and Paris, with his collector’s stamp on the reverse (Lugt 617); Alfred Hubert (1831–1903), Paris, with his collector’s stamp on the reverse (Lugt 130); John H. Wrenn (1841–1911), Chicago, with his collector’s stamp on the reverse (Lugt 1475). A very fine, black, early-in-life impression of New Hollstein’s fourth state (of six), following the addition of a few short diagonal lines in front of the sitter’s neck. With narrow margins. Rembrandt portrayed his mother, Neeltgen Willemsdr. van Zuytbrouck, in a number of etchings during his early Leiden period. In several of these intimate studies, she appears wearing an elaborate head covering or an Oriental-style kerchief. Such exotic accessories were characteristic of Rembrandt’s early fascination with unusual costumes, fabrics, and the effects of light. Rather than serving as formal portraits, these prints are often understood as studies of character and expression, in which the familiar sitter allowed the young artist to experiment with physiognomy, costume, and the effects of light and shadow. – The paper is slightly discolored by age, with some skillfully executed restorations. Otherwise in good condition. Taxation: subject to regular taxation (VAT: Regular Taxation).