Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
Bust of an Old Man with Flowing Beard and White Sleeve
Artist
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
Further information
Bartsch 291; White/Boon 291 I (of I); Hinterding/Rutgers (The New Hollstein) 65 I (of II).
Provenance
Ernst F. Oppermann (2nd half 19th century), Berlin, verso with the collector's stamp (Lugt 887); J.P. Townsend, Thomas B. Clarke & Senator Brandegee, based on a note found on the back of the previous frame; Sotheby's, New York, 30 October 2008, lot 26.
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Description
A fine lifetime impression of this scarce subject, before the addition of numerous short strokes added to the hair, face, beard and shoulders. The depiction of the old man with a flowing beard and a melancholic expression is based on a study drawing – an unusual approach for Rembrandt (cf. Otto Benesch, The Drawings of Rembrandt, 2nd edition, London and New York, 1973, no. 41). With narrow margins. – Foxing in the left corners. Verso with remnants and traces of previous mounting, otherwise in very good condition.