Rembrandt, printmaker

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

I am always surprised that prints of great ancient masters are still on the market at affordable prices. Yet some of these sheets have survived several centuries and represent an important part of the vision of these artists.

Christie's sale on December 2 in London helps to know the value of Rembrandt and Dürer whose works are presented in a very wide price range.

I do not comment the lowest prices, because that should lead me to spend too much time analyzing the sizes, the printing dates, the issued quantities, the quality of inking and the condition reports, but I invite those interested in this topic to do it. I think I have listed above the important parameters to be considered.

From my top-down method, I present to you the two major lots, being guided by the press release, and trying to explain how they are exceptional.

At Lot 49, we see the Christ crucified between two thieves, estimated 350 K £. The image is large (39 x 46 cm), rich and sharp. This is a print of fourth state, 1661, which had been so reworked if compared to the previous state that it almost became an original edition. By this transformation, Rembrandt wanted to strengthen the emotional power in a very nice effect of chiaroscuro. The printing of this specific example is very successful. Christie's prefers it to the copy in the British Museum!

At Lot 44 for 180 K £, we see the Christ healing the sick. This image of 1649 including many characters represents for many connoisseurs the best summary of the techniques used by Rembrandt: etching, drypoint and burin.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The most important of the Rembrandt prints of this sale got a price that was justified by its unique characteristics, well described in the catalog: 420 K £ inclusive (Lot 49).

Lot 44 has not been sold.