The Virgin and Child in the Clouds (B., Holl. 61; H. 186)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Virgin and Child in the Clouds (B., Holl. 61; H. 186)
etching and drypoint, 1641, a fine, early impression of this lightly etched print, with margins, two pinpoint indentations above the head of the Child, small thin patches on the reverse along the left sheet edge, the platemark with a small weak area at the lower left corner (backed), some very pale scattered foxing, otherwise in good condition
P. 166 x 105 mm., S. 175 x 114 mm.

Provenance

Unidentified collector's stamp, initial R (possibly L. 2168).

Special notice

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Lot Essay

Rembrandt made a false-start when he embarked upon this print, and an upside down face is visible in Mary's left knee. Evidently the artist realised that the head was too small and poorly positioned on the picture plane. Without erasing the first attempt he simply turned the plate 180 degrees and started again. The print is one of the least known in Rembrandt's oeuvre.

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