Clump of Trees with a Vista (B., Holl. 222; H. 263)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
Clump of Trees with a Vista (B., Holl. 222; H. 263)
etching, 1652, second, final state, a fine impression of this very rare landscape, with effective burr throughout and vertical polishing scratches in the sky, watermark Arms of Amsterdam (cf. A. & F. F.a.), with thread margins, a short, skilfully repaired tear at the upper right, occasional unobtrusive soft creasing, otherwise in very good condition
P., S. 126 x 213 mm.

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Lot Essay

The first state of this magical print concentrates on the central stand of trees, done quickly in drypoint, probably outside. It seems almost to float, and is anchored only by a few sketchy lines and careful use of polishing scratches and surface tone. In the second state the plate was reduced horizontally below, the foliage completed and the signature added. This work was probably done in the studio.

'Using the same instrument throughout, the drypoint needle, he produced in this, probably his last landscape print, one of the great masterpieces of the medium.' (Rembrandt as an Etcher, ibid.)

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