Rembrandt, Studies of the Heads of Saskia and Other Women, 1636

Artist: Rembrandt (1606 - 1669)
Title:Studies of the Heads of Saskia and Other Women, 1636
Medium:Etching
Image Size:6 in x 4 15/16 in (15.1 cm x 12.6 cm)
Sheet Size:6 in x 4 15/16 in (15.1 cm x 12.6 cm)
Framed Size:23 1/4 in x 22 7/16 in (59.1 cm x 56.9 cm)
Edition:A Nowell-Usticke early to intermediate State II (of II) impression; with a partial, unidentified watermark.
Signature:Signed and dated in the plate in the lower left 'Rembrandt f. 1636'
Condition:This work is in good condition, margins lightly trimmed, not affecting the overall image.
ID #w-4256

Historical Description

In this splendid Rembrandt Studies of the Heads of Saskia and Other Women, 1636, Rembrandt depicts six subjects with Saskia, his wife and the only subject identified by name, in the upper center. This work conveys an array of individuals of varied ages, draped in clothing. Rembrandt depicts Saskia as the largest and most detailed figure. She dons a high-necked dress conveyed through the use of delicate cross-hatched lines. Her wispy curls gently fall to her side, and she appears as if wearing a veil or sheer headdress, gazing calmly out at the viewer. The two figures above her also don headdresses; the old woman in the upper left wears a turban and appears weary with age while the woman on the right covers her mouth with her left hand in a gesture of modesty or surprise. The three figures beneath Saskia seamlessly merge together, with the two figures to the right appearing older than the figure on the left. Each subject gazes off in a different direction, encouraging the viewer's eyes to jump across the page, as if trying to discern what each subject is gazing at.

Created in 1636, this original etching is signed and dated in the plate in the lower left 'Rembrandt f. 1636.' According to Nowell-Usticke, there are approximately only 125-225 know impressions of this work (Usticke 12, B. 365). This work is a Nowell-Usticke early to intermediate State II (of II) impression; with a partial unidentified watermark.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Rembrandt Studies of the Heads of Saskia and Other Women, 1636 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Bartsch. The Illustrated Bartsch Vol. 50. Edited by Stephanie S. Dickey. New York: Abaris Books, 1981. Illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 365(another example illustrated) on page 284.

2. Biörklund, George, Rembrandt's Etchings: True and False, 1968. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. BB 36-B.

3. Hind, Arthur. A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings. New York, 1967. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 145.

4. M?nz, Ludwig. Rembrandt's Etchings: Reproductions of the Whole Original Etched Work, Vol. 1. London: Phaidon Press, 1952. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 105 (another example illustrated).

5. M?nz, Ludwig. Rembrandt's Etchings: Reproductions of the Whole Original Etched Work, Vol.2. London: Phaidon Press, 1952. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 91.

6. Nowell-Usticke, G.W. Rembrandt's Etchings. Narberth, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. B 365.

7. White, Christopher & Karel Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings, Vol. I: Text. Amsterdam, 1969. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. B.365.

8. White, Christopher & Karel Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings, Vol. II: Plates. Amsterdam, 1969. Illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. B.365.

9. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Rembrandt Studies of the Heads of Saskia and Other Women, 1636 is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complimentary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.