A Scholar in his Study (‘Faust’)

Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1652

This depiction of a scholar transfixed by a vision is an allegory of faith. The apparition before the window embodies the divine wisdom that mankind can understand only indirectly and imperfectly. Rembrandt nevertheless has the supernatural light visibly bathe the man’s head and shoulders. This impression is printed on Japanese paper, giving it a warm, pleasing tone.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-1962-122
  • Dimensionsheight 208 mm x width 161 mm
  • Physical characteristicsetching, drypoint and engraving, printed with plate tone on Japanese paper

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • A Scholar in his Study (‘Faust’)
    • A scholar in his study
  • Object type

  • Object number

    RP-P-1962-122

  • Inscriptions / marks

    • mark: Lugt 2612
    • inscription: ‘C. 22701’
    • mark: Lugt 1687
    • mark: Lugt 2228
    • inscription: ‘Haring 7’
  • Catalogue reference

    • Bartsch 270-1(3)
    • Hollstein Dutch 270-1(3)
    • New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish (Rembrandt text) 270-1(7)

Creation

  • Creation

    • printmaker: Rembrandt van Rijn
    • after design by Rembrandt van Rijn
  • Dating

    c. 1652

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    etching, drypoint and engraving, printed with plate tone on Japanese paper

  • Dimensions

    height 208 mm x width 161 mm


Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Mr and Mrs De Bruijn-van der Leeuw Bequest, Muri, Switzerland

  • Acquisition

    bequest 1962

  • Copyright


Documentation

    • P. Maisak, 'Von Rembrandts sogenanntem Doctor Faustus zu Goethes Faust', Jahrbuch des Freien Deutschen Hochstifts 2008, p. 109-152
    • Zhenya Gershman, 'Rembrandt: Turn of the Key : In memory of Leonid Matsikh', Arion 21 (winter 2014), nr. 3, p. 79-108, afb. 15, 16b.

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