Rembrandt Appraisal

Rembrandt van Rijn, Studies of the Head of Saskia and Others (Etching, 1636)

This item is a monochrome etching on paper, specifically the 'Studies of the Head of Saskia and Others,' attributed to the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, dated 1636. The work features six character sketches or 'tronies' of female heads, with the central and most prominent figure identified as Rembrandt's wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. The composition showcases masterful cross-hatching and delicate line work characteristic of Baroque printmaking. The paper appears to have an aged, cream-colored patina with a visible platemark around the central imagery. At the bottom center, the piece is signed 'Rembrandt f.' and dated '1636'. There is an additional handwritten number '553' in the lower-left corner outside the plate mark. The condition shows minor foxing and slight tonal irregularities consistent with age, though the linework remains crisp. This specific study sheet is a notable example of Rembrandt's use of a copper plate as a sketchbook to capture different expressions and headdresses. The quality of the etching indicates a professional printing, likely from a later state given the clarity and presence of a collector's or inventory number.