Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

A very fine impression of the first state, printing with excellent contrasts. With delicate vertical smudge marks to the right of the signature and in the upper window panes and still before the two added dots in the lower right corner. The simple yet charming depiction of the Holy Family is set in a 17th century Dutch interior. The domestic scene shows Mary with the Child sitting by an open fire, Joseph gazing at the scene through the window behind her, while a cat plays with Mary's skirt. Mary is holding a snake with her left foot. The evil symbolised by the snake now has no freedom of movement. This depiction from the childhood story of Jesus was already very popular during Rembrandt's lifetime. With a fine margin around the platemark. – A tiny, closed tear at the upper right edge. Only a few tiny brown spots, otherwise in very good condition.