Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn - Jan Lutma, Goldsmith (B., Holl. 276; H. 290)

Lot 245. Etching with drypoint and engraving, 1656, a fine impression of the second state (of three), printed soon after the changes made in this state, with considerable burr throughout, with rich inky plate edges and a thin vale of tone in the darker areas, on warm-toned paper, watermark Foolscap with five-pointed collar (cf. A. & F. G.a.), with narrow margins, some pale scattered foxing, two tiny paper losses at the left sheet edge, otherwise in very good condition - P. 197 x 149 mm., S. 201 x 151 mm - Estimate: £50,000-70,000

Note : The etched portraits of the late 1650's are arguably Rembrandt's greatest. Among the most famous of these is that of Jan Lutma (c.1584-1669), one of the leading goldsmiths and jewellers of his time, who was still working at the time this portrait was etched. He is shown with what we must assume are two examples of his work - possibly a candlestick in his right hand, and a chased silver drinking bowl on the table beside him, sitting alongside some of the tools of his trade. His half-closed eyes attest to problems he experienced with his eyesight in old age. He was also a collector who owned a large print collection, and his son, Jan Lutma the Younger, was an etcher.

Christie's. Old Master Prints.  December 2007. 8 King Street, St James's, London