Faust

c. 1652

Rembrandt van Rijn

Associated Names
Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist, Dutch, 1606 - 1669

The image shows the upper half of a person leaning forward with one hand resting on a large book or flat surface. The person is positioned side-on to the viewer, facing a window on the right through which a bright light emanates, illuminating part of their face and upper body. Their face features a prominent nose and chin, and they have a contemplative expression. The person's hair is mostly covered by a turban or cloth wrapped around their head, with some short hair visible. They are wearing a long robe with textured patterns and layers. On the table, there appear to be scientific or astrological instruments, such as a compass and charts. The surrounding room is dimly lit, with shelves and possibly other materials or equipment partly visible in the background. A bust or sculpture is positioned behind the person. A large window with an intricate arch design is the focal point of the background, with the source of light giving the impression of some form of revelation or enlightenment.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1964.8.1864

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    White/Boon 1969, no. 270, State i/iii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing Julius Rosenwald (Lugt 1760b) purchased from Craddock and Barnard 1930; given to the National Gallery of Art 1964

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1930

  • Prints and Drawings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Pennsylvania Museum of Art, 1930

  • Rembrandt Etchings: Lent by Mr. Lessing J. Rosenwald, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 1930.

1932

  • Etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) from the Collections of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Art Galleries, Washington, D.C., 1932.

Bibliography

1923

  • Hind, Arthur M. A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1923.

1969

  • White, Christopher and Karel G. Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Van Gendt & Co., 1969.

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Rembrandt, Erik Hinterding and Jaco Rutgers, authors). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 270, state i/vii.

Wikidata ID

Q65511747

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