The Rat Catcher (B., Holl. 121; H. 97)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Rat Catcher (B., Holl. 121; H. 97)
etching, 1632, third, final state, a good impression showing the usual slight wear, with thread margins, the tip of the lower right corner made up, a nick at the lower sheet edge, a strip of adhesive tape across the upper sheet edge verso, otherwise in very good condition
P. 140 x 125 mm., S. 142 x 127 mm.

Provenance

With an unidentified collector's stamp verso (cf. Lugt 2890).

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale which may include guaranteeing a minimum price or making an advance to the consignor that is secured solely by consigned property. This is such a lot. This indicates both in cases where Christie's holds the financial interest on its own, and in cases where Christie's has financed all or a part of such interest through a third party. Such third parties generally benefit financially if a guaranteed lot is sold successfully and may incur a loss if the sale is not successful.

Lot Essay

Having drawn and etched several individual studies of people of the streets, in 1632 Rembrandt started combining them in narrative scenes. The Rat Catcher is one of his earliest genre prints, and his relative inexperience in combining the separate figures is aparent.

The bandage wound round the jaw of the small boy might allude to his prowess as a tooth puller, and the fur draped over his shoulder alludes to yet another trade. It is not clear whether the figure in the doorway is dismissing them after they have completed their task, or is rejecting the offer of their services. This print must have been popular as there are eleven copies recorded, several of which were produced only shortly after the original plate.

More from Rembrandt 400

View All