Rembrandt Portrait of a Boy
Item Description: This is an antique print attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn, titled "Head of a Boy in Profile to the Left" (also known in catalogs as Bartsch 310, Hind 118, New Hollstein 117). It appears to be an etching or early reproduction made using traditional intaglio printing techniques. The print is on handmade laid paper with visible vertical chain lines and horizontal wire lines, which are characteristic of older hand-crafted papers (likely 18th or early 19th century). The sheet measures approximately 7.2 × 9.7 cm. A light plate mark is visible around the printed area, although not deeply embossed, which is consistent with an older plate that has been reprinted multiple times. The print shows a head of a young boy facing left, in Rembrandt’s typical style with fine hatchings and strong contrast. The upper margin includes the inscription “Rembrandt f. 164–”. There is no visible watermark. Condition: The print is in generally good antique condition with natural age toning and minor signs of handling. The paper is intact with no major tears. The image remains clear, and the ink lines are well preserved. No modern printing dots or mechanical reproduction marks are visible. Materials: Traditional laid (handmade) paper, printed using intaglio/etching technique (likely copperplate).
7,2x9,7cm
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is an intaglio print after Rembrandt van Rijn, depicting a boy in profile facing left, a composition widely known as Head of a Boy in Profile to the Left and catalogued in the Rembrandt etching corpus as Bartsch 310, Hind 118, and New Hollstein 117. The image corresponds closely to Rembrandt’s original copperplate etching of 1631, a small format study notable for its refined hatching, compact modeling of the face, and restrained chiaroscuro. Based on the paper characteristics visible in the images, including laid paper with clear chain and wire lines, as well as the shallow plate mark and overall softness of the impression, this example does not represent a lifetime impression pulled under Rembrandt’s supervision. It is best identified as an early posthumous impression or an early reproduction pulled from a worn plate, most likely dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, a period when Rembrandt’s plates were frequently reprinted for collectors and academic study.
The print appears in stable antique condition, with uniform age toning consistent with naturally aged laid paper and no visible tears, repairs, or losses. The image remains legible and well balanced, though the plate wear limits depth and sharpness when compared to early impressions. There is no visible watermark, which is not unusual for later pulls of this plate. Early posthumous impressions and period restrikes of Rembrandt etchings of this type typically trade on the secondary market between $600.00 and $1,200.00 USD, depending on paper quality, clarity of impression, and condition.
