.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This portrait has traditionally been identified as the Sephardic rabbi, printer and writer Manasseh ben Israel (1604-1657). Although there is no documentary evidence for the sitter's identity, it is well established that Rembrandt and Manasseh were friends and collaborators. In 1655 Rembrandt produced four book illustrations for Manasseh’s mystical work Piedra Gloriosa (see lots 26-28). Born on the Portuguese island of Madeira, Manasseh spent most of his life in Amsterdam, where his family settled in 1605 after fleeing the Inquisition. At the age of only eighteen, he was appointed a rabbi and in 1626 started the first Hebrew printing house in Holland. He is best remembered for his advocacy for the re-admission of jews into England.
Rembrandt executed this portrait of Manasseh in a pared-down, almost sketchy style, compared to many of his later portraits. The etched lines are quite loose and open, and the sitter’s clothing is only roughly indicated, as Rembrandt focused on capturing his friend's personality.
Unusually, Rembrandt shaped the composition into an oval at the bottom only; a formal device which is unique within his etched oeuvre.
Rembrandt executed this portrait of Manasseh in a pared-down, almost sketchy style, compared to many of his later portraits. The etched lines are quite loose and open, and the sitter’s clothing is only roughly indicated, as Rembrandt focused on capturing his friend's personality.
Unusually, Rembrandt shaped the composition into an oval at the bottom only; a formal device which is unique within his etched oeuvre.