REMBRANDT VAN RIJN Christ Crucified between the Two Thieves: An Oval Plate.
Etching and drypoint, circa 1641. 136x102 mm; 5 1/2x4 1/8 inches, narrow to thread margins. Biörklund's second state (of 2) or an intermediate state, with the left arm of the cross rounded but before the additional shading in the cross above Christ's head below the scroll; Usticke's first state (l) (of 3), before the left to right diagonal shading in the space above Christ's head below the scroll and with the left arm of the cross just failing to touch the border; White and Boon's second state (of 2) or an intermediate state. Ex-collection Nathaniel Smith (Lugt 2296, verso). A very good, early impression with subtle tonal variations, with the very fine diagonal shading lines in the background still printing, with partially inky, uncleaned plate edges and with burr in the shadows. Bartsch 79; Biörklund 41-2; Hollstein (White and Boon) 79.
