Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) etching depicting a bust-length portrait or tronie of an old man with a long beard and bowed head, with eyes closed or downcast. An extremely scarce etching known in only one state. Signed in monogram and dated "RHL 1630" in plate, upper left. Inscribed "A" in brown ink en verso, likely an unidentified collector's mark. Additionally inscribed "131" and "11-12," in pencil to verso. Sheet: 4 1/8" H x 3 9/16" W. Plate: 3 11/16" H x 3 1/16" W. Ref: Bartsch, Hollstein (White and Boon) 325; Biorklund 30-I. Hind 27; New Hollstein 64. Note: Nowell-Usticke in his 1967 catalog “Rembrandt’s Etchings: States and Values” assigned to this print an RRR scarcity rating (30-50 impressions known in that year), “a very rare plate.”

PROVENANCE: By descent in the Acklen family of Belmont Mansion, Nashville, likely acquired 4th quarter 19th century. 

A richly inked, early impression with crisp plate edges, monogram, and foul biting still printing at the lower right plate mark. Negligible foxing throughout, especially to upper margin at edge of sheet. One miniscule speck of liquid staining to upper right, in plate.