Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

A very fine lifetime impression of New Hollstein's first state (of two). Printing sharply, strongly and richly inked, with the folds of the cloak rendered in deep black. Listed in Nowell-Usticke with the note "RRR, an extremely rare print". The printing plate was lost at an early stage. With a narrow margin around the partially uncleaned platemark. This bust belongs to the group of studies that Rembrandt produced around 1630. During this creative period, a large number of chalk drawings of men with long beards and downcast eyes were produced by Rembrandt and Jan Lievens between 1607 and 1674. However, as none of these preparatory drawings can be shown to correspond exactly to this etching, it is reasonable to assume that this print was etched from life. A large part of the beard is left unworked, creating a beautiful contrast between the white and the dark hair. – Verso with restored paper defects. A small, backened tear in the top left corner. A small tear at the bottom left edge; otherwise, in good condition. A great rarity.