Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

The Flight into Egypt: crossing a Brook

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Flight into Egypt: crossing a Brook
etching with engraving, drypoint and open-bite, 1654, on laid paper, watermark Foolscap with seven-pointed Collar (similar to Hinterding K-a-c), a very fine impression of New Hollstein's only state, the watery open-bite below printing very strongly, with narrow margins, in very good condition
Plate 93 x 144 mm., Sheet 95 x 146 mm.

Provenance

Martin Folkes (1690-1754), London, his stamp recto (Lugt 1034); presumably his sale, Langford, London, 17 January 1756 and seven following days.
With Colnaghi, London.
Acquired from the above, 25 October 1966 (£380).

Literature

Bartsch, Hollstein 55; Hind 276; New Hollstein 277 (only state).

Brought to you by

Maya Jelbart

mjelbart@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2328

Lot Essay

One of a total of eight prints on the theme of the Flight into Egypt or the Rest on the Flight, all of which differ greatly in style, composition and format, the present version once again showcases Rembrandt’s willingness to experiment and his success in adapting to different challenges. By loosely applying acid directly onto the plate, a technique called open-bite, Rembrandt created a visual effect which perfectly imitates the fluid nature of the water of the brook at the lower edge of the plate.

The present impression compares well with the Cracherode impression in the British Museum.

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