REMBRANDT Harmenszoon van Rijn (Circle of)

Dutch, 1606-1669

Brown ink on paper

Mid 17th Century

Unsigned

5.9 x 5.4 cm (2½ x 2 in)

35.7 x 33.1 cm (14 x 13 in)

Private collection, Oxfordshire

Rembrandt was arguably one of the greatest draftsmen in the history of art. In the same way as a writer regards his journal notes as a personal record of observations and sentiments, Rembrandt produced quickly executed sketches which beautifully captured daily life in the Netherlands of the 17th century. Rembrandt experts generally agree that there are about 1,400 drawings attributed to him in existence whilst it is thought that probably an equal number have been lost and/or misattributed as 'Pupil of' and 'Circle of'.

Unlike most of the Great Masters, such as Raphael, Michelangelo and Rubens, Rembrandt executed relatively few preparatory studies for his paintings and very few finished drawings. Furthermore, the vast majority of his drawings are unsigned - to date, only about 25 works bearing his signature have been discovered. Misled by their simplicity, everyday subject matter, rapid style and lack of signature, it is believed that many authentic works have understandably been wrongly attributed or discarded in the past.

Due to differing views amongst specialists as to whether Study of a Merchant is or is not by the hand of the Dutch master, it is offered as 'Rembrandt (Circle of)', an attribution that is reflected in the price of the work.