Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

A very fine, early and atmospheric impression, printing with good contrasts and depth; the vertical wiping marks in the sky strong and with a light plate tone. Printing with burr in places (the canopy at top left and the hat at the left edge centre). With a small margin below and thread margins on the other sides. This impression represents the second state (of six). Peter’s right side has been straightened, and the line of the cloak across his chest now curves more deeply, reaching the level of his right elbow. Additional shading has been introduced in John’s garments, and Peter’s left foot has been redrawn. The scene depicts the biblical scene of Peter and John healing a crippled man at the gate of the temple, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 3:1–10). The cripple is seated on the ground at the left, seen from behind, collecting alms. In front of him, beneath the archway of the temple gate, stand Peter and John. A small group of onlookers gathers to the left, while in the background a large crowd observes the event from the broad steps of the temple, creating a sense of depth and public engagement. Verso with a few tiny, isolated brown spots and remnants of a former mounting in the corners of the upper edge, otherwise in very good condition. Very rare on Japan paper!