Jan Cornelis Sylvius, Preacher Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

An exceptionally fine, early impression of New Hollstein’s second and final state, with a Strasbourg Bend watermark (Hinterding A.a.2, dated 1646), the same watermark recorded for impressions of the first state (Hinterding, p. 243). Printing with luminous contrasts, remarkable clarity and subtle modulation, with exceptionally strong touches of burr and the delicate sulphur tint clearly visible on the face and in other blank areas. With warm plate tone. With narrow margins on three sides, trimmed to the platemark below. In this posthumous portrait, Rembrandt depicts his family friend, the preacher Jan Cornelis Sylvius, with remarkable illusionistic flair. Sylvius leans forward within an oval frame, his right hand raised in mid-gesture, while his head, hand and book cast shadows beyond the borderline. This device creates a striking sense of physical presence and vitality, particularly appropriate for a man celebrated for the power of his sermons. The exceptional quality of the present impression enhances these effects. Touches of burr and selectively wiped plate tone lend texture and atmosphere, while the delicate sulphur tint across the face – an unusual effect in Rembrandt’s portrait prints – further heightens the sitter’s presence. – The lower left and right corners slightly thinned verso, with a minute tear at the lower right corner tip. A few minute brown spots. Verso, the paper slightly rubbed in the upper corners and with old adhesive strips. Otherwise in very good condition. | 1606 Leiden - Amsterdam 1669 | 15.-18. Jahrhundert | Druckgrafik | Nummer: 26x1716 | Provenance: Pierre Mariette (1634–1716), Paris, with his handwritten collector’s mark dated 1670 verso (Lugt 1789); Alfred Ritter von Franck (1808–1884), Vienna and Graz, with his handwritten collector’s mark dated 1817 (Lugt 946); Gustav Ritter von Franck (1807–1860), Vienna, with his collector’s mark verso (Lugt 1152); Samuel Graf von Festetics (1806–1862), Vienna, with his handwritten collector’s mark dated 1851 verso (Lugt 926); Joseph Daniel Böhm (1794–1865), Vienna, with his collector’s mark (Lugt 272); August Artaria (1807–1893), Vienna, with his collector’s mark verso (Lugt 33); Rudolph Philip Goldschmidt (1863–1914), Berlin, with his collector’s mark verso (Lugt 2926).

Estimate:$55,980.4

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