Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

A fine lifetime impression of the third state, with strong touches of burr evident on the God-like figure at the top. After the plate has been reduced in size, but prior to the addition of diagonal shading to the background behind the apocalyptic animals. n the foreground, four apocalyptic beasts emerge beneath a cloud driven by cherubs. Standing on the cloud with his back turned to the viewer is the prophet Daniel, facing God the Father, who is enthroned in the heavens. Around them, a host of celestial figures bow in reverence. This scene belongs to a cycle of four allegorical compositions based on Piedra gloriosa (Amsterdam, 1655), a messianic treatise that blends Jewish and Christian eschatological readings of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2) and its symbolic transformation in Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7). Thread margins on three sides, trimmed onto the platemark on the right side. – Paper slightly thinned at the corner tips. Verso with remnants of former mounting. Otherwise in very good condition.