.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
There has been much speculation as to why Rembrandt left this print unfinished, unsigned and undated. He focused entirely on the sitter's hat, face, arm and hand, then scribbled a few outlines of the rest of his figure and garments - and stopped. Perhaps Rembrandt felt he had captured the moment and the effects that interested him. Alternatively, the rationale may have been more commercial in nature.
Although not common in fine, early examples, impressions of this print are not - as one might think at first glance - extremely rare trial proofs or pulls from a discarded plate. Rather, they were printed by Rembrandt in considerable numbers, a clear indication that there was a market for such printed 'sketches' and that some discerning collectors specifically sought out early proofs and first states. Leaving the plate seemingly unfinished thus added to its desirability.
Although not common in fine, early examples, impressions of this print are not - as one might think at first glance - extremely rare trial proofs or pulls from a discarded plate. Rather, they were printed by Rembrandt in considerable numbers, a clear indication that there was a market for such printed 'sketches' and that some discerning collectors specifically sought out early proofs and first states. Leaving the plate seemingly unfinished thus added to its desirability.