Item Info
Media Type: Etchings
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
Dutch painter, draftsman, and printmaker.
In this print, we see an individual who has the attributes of a scholar (i.e. pen in hand, leaning on a table with a writing slope, papers and books around himself, an astrolabe in the room at the lower right) gazing upon an apparitiion that is surrounded by clouds. The apparition itself includes a set of discernible hands holding a mirror. The right hand points to it. A disc surrounded by radiating light is reflected in the mirror at an angle. The disc includes an indecipherable anagram as well as INRI, the abbreviation of the inscription placed over Jesus Christ's head during his crucifixion.
The subject matter of this print has been interpreted variously. Some interpretions conclude:
1.) This is a representation of a practicing alchemist;
2.) This it a representation of the literary character, Doctor Faustus, who obsevered an angel in the form of an apparition in his study;
3.) This is a representation of the founder of the Socinian sect, Faustus Socinus;
4.) This is a representation of an allegory of faith; references to a Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians are cited (1 Corinthians 13, v. 12).
Bibliography:
Referenced in:
A. von Bartsch: Catalogue raisonne de toutes les estampes qui forment l'oeuvre de Rembrandt et ceux de ses principaux imitateurs (Vienna, 1797), #270.
Hinterding, Erik, Luijten, Ger, and Royalton-Kisch, Martin. Rembrandt the Printmaker. Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers. 2000, #69, pp. 283-5. 759.9492 R282hi (Art Reference)
Rembrandt: All the Etchings Reproduced in True Size. (London: Oresko Books Ltd, c.1977). 769.92 R262R (Art Reference)
Creation Year: ca. 1652
Image Dimensions Width: 16 cm
Creator Name: Rembrandt van Rijn, 1606-1669 - Artist