426 - Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606, Leiden – Amsterdam, 1669), Self-Portrait in a Flat Cap and Embroidered Dress.

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606, Leiden – Amsterdam, 1669), Self-Portrait in a Flat Cap and Embroidered Dress. Etching on laid paper. (c. 1642). 10.1 x 6.8 cm (sheet). Bartsch 26; White/Boon 26; Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 210 I (of III). Provenance: Cambridge University Library, Cambridge, with its collection mark (Lugt 2475), inv. no. AD 1238-187; transferred in 1876 to the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, with its collection mark (Lugt 932); Sotheby’s, London, April 2, 1878, sale of duplicates from the University of Cambridge, including 245 prints by Rembrandt (cf. Lugt 932 and 2475); Siegfried Barden (1854–1917), Hamburg, art dealer, with his collector’s stamp (Lugt 218); probably his widow’s sale, C. G. Boerner, Leipzig, November 8–10, 1921 (cf. Lugt 218). A very fine, early impression of New Hollstein’s first state (of three), with the fine horizontal wiping scratches still clearly visible. Dated 1642, *Self-Portrait in a Flat Cap and Embroidered Dress* belongs to Rembrandt’s remarkable series of etched self-portraits, in which he repeatedly explored his own appearance, expression, and artistic identity. Here, however, he presents himself not in everyday attire but in an elaborate, richly embroidered costume and a broad flat cap, lending the image a distinctly historical character. Rather than serving as a straightforward likeness, the exotic attire transforms the portrait into a carefully staged study of character and artistic persona. The strong illumination of the face against the densely worked costume further draws attention to Rembrandt’s direct and contemplative gaze. With narrow margins around the plate mark. – The upper left corner has been restored; otherwise in good condition. Taxation: subject to differential taxation (VAT: Margin Scheme).