Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn (1606-1669). The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds. Antique hand pulled copper plate etching, engraving and drypoint on laid paper. Bartsch 44. Richly inked, strong 4th state print with the changed shading around the angel and the additional clouds around it. The tree stump in the center of the image has been revised with new contours. Von Seidlitz describes this print as “Rembrandt’s masterpiece from the mid-thirties. For the first time he consciously uses the semi-darkness in such a way that he builds the composition on the contrast of light to darkness. small border around plate line – A few tiny brown spots, visible on reverse, paper slightly darkened. The top right corner and upper center shows signs of old handlining creases, otherwise in good condition. Image Size 8 11/16 x 10 1/4. Framed Dimensions approximately 23 1/4 x 25 inches. Gallery Matted and Framed in a New Solid Wood Moulding. This artwork is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and is Guaranteed as described.