Book Description

To study Rembrandt's etchings one must do more that read dates and signatures, classify subject matter and enumerate states: one has to consider the whole man and his unique talent in the context of his life and milieu. This book surveys Rembrandt's prints both individually and J150505generally. Though an overall pattern in his work can be discovered, Rembrandt was essentially an artist of variety, and each print, at least in his maturity, represented a unique experience. Rembrandt was one of the first artists to experiment with the media of etching and drypoint, submitting his plates to numerous reworkings, drawing on impressions, varying the inking of his plates and the papers, on which he printed. Detailed study reveals that in many cases the changes and variations he introduced provide a unique opportunity, not afforded by the paintings and drawings, of observing the artist at work. Enthusiasm for Rembrandt's prints has not been confined to scholars. Even during the artist's lifetime and ever since, there has hardly been a time when his prints were not sought after, collected and cherished somewhere. There are numerous catalogues raisonnes as well as catalogues of individual collections, and exhibitions, but little has been written that sets Rembrandt's prints in the context of his whole life and work. This book, first published thirty years ago, fills that gap, surveying Rembrandt's prints thematically and in comparison to his paintings and drawings. The new edition, which has been considerably revised and expanded to take account of recent research, is particularly informative about working methods and the techniques of printmaking.