Sheet of Studies: Head of the Artist, a Beggar Couple, Heads of an Old Man and Old Woman, etc.,
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606-1669), Sheet of Studies: Head of the Artist, a Beggar Couple, Heads of an Old Man and Old Woman, etc., etching, 1632. References: Bartsch, Hollstein 363, New Hollstein 115, Hind 90. In good condition (apart from traces of a diagonal fold, minor staining). Second state (of 2), 4 x 4 1/8 inches.
A fine early impression of this rare print.
Provenance:
ex Coll. Viscount Downe (?, with stamp verso, cf. Lugt 719a);
Helmut H. Rumbler (Frankfurt-am-Main, stock number 33004 verso)
C.G. Boerner (New York, Dusseldorf, stock number 28987 / RZ verso)
Gerardo Rueda (Spain, 1926-1996); Rueda was a painter and sculptor well known for his art collection as well as his own work.
Nowell-Eusticke rates its rarity RR+ (“a very scarce sheet of 1632”).
In addition to the large self portrait the sheet portrays a beggar couple, an old man, an old woman, and other elements. Such sheets, both in drawings and a number of etchings, belong to the tradition of “model books.”