Bartholomeus Van Der Helst Replica Appraisal

Rembrandt van Rijn, Self-Portrait in a Velvet Cap with Plume (Etching Replica)

This item is a small-scale portrait print, likely an etching or a finely detailed reproduction, of Rembrandt van Rijn’s 1638 'Self-Portrait in a Velvet Cap with Plume'. The central image shows the artist in 17th-century attire, featuring a decorative plumed cap and a detailed collar. The print is executed in monochromatic black ink on a rectangular piece of cream-toned, aged paper. A notable physical characteristic is the raw, uneven deckled or torn edge on the right side of the paper, suggesting it may have been removed from a larger sheet or a bound collection. The paper shows visible signs of age including light foxing and overall yellowing (patina). It is professionally double-matted with a black inner mat and a cream outer mat, then housed in a substantial dark wood frame with ornate beaded or 'pearl' molding along the inner and outer perimeters. While the original etching dates to the Dutch Golden Age, this specific piece appears to be a later 20th-century reprint or a high-quality reproduction given the modern framing style. No specific signatures or edition numbers are clearly visible in the provided image. The craftsmanship of the frame is high, featuring a glossy finish and intricate relief work that complements the classical subject matter.