A contemplative etching and drypoint on paper titled "St. Francis Beneath a Tree Praying" (B. 107, H. 292, BB. 57-A) by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1657. Signed and dated, Rembrandt (d reversed) f 1657. Second and final state, with thread margins, a rare print on 17th century paper in undisturbed condition, a 17th century impression with a Strasbourg Lily watermark (similar to Haewood 1768, 1730). The plate was not in De Jonghe's inventory of 1679, nor in any subsequent inventory of Rembrandt's etched plates. The plate is no longer in existence. An intricate composition showcasing Rembrandt's craftmanship and attention to detail. St. Francis is depicted with depth and expression. Rembrandt was known for his religious paintings and etchings, so this provides a unique opportunity to collect a fascinating example within the artist's oeuvre. Provenance: From a private collection. Purchased from Galerie Micheal (Beverly Hills, CA). Gallery tag on verso and original paperwork is included in this lot. Additional Provenance: Sir Edward Ashely (1729-1802). Lugt 2775. Ashely's collection was notable for the Rembrandt prints he acquired from the painter Arthur Pond (1705-1758). Pond is believed to have acquired his collection from William Six, a descendant of Rembrandt's friend Jan Six. Rembrandt etched Jan Six's portrait in 1647. Dimensions: 7"h x 9.625"w (image) / 22.25"h x 24.5"w x 1.25"d (framed). In very good vintage condition, consistent with age. Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) usually simply known as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman. An innovative and prolific master in three media, he is generally considered one of the greatest visual artists in the history of art. Rembrandt's reputation as the greatest etcher in the history of the medium was established in his lifetime. Rembrandt's artworks are in the prominent museum collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection, the National Gallery of Art, Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and J. Paul Getty Museum, the Gemaldegalerie, Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister, Schloss Wilhelmshohe, the National Gallery, Royal Collection, the Rijksmuseum, The Louvre, the Hermitage Museum, and Nationalmuseum, Stockholm to name a few. Rembrandt is one of the most famous and the best expertly researched visual artists in history.

22.25 x 24.5 x 1.25 in