Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) etching and drypoint depicting a bust-length portrait of an unidentified man with a bushy beard and distinctive hat. With the slipt stroke from cap to left cheek. Signed and dated "Rembrandt f[ecit] 1640" in plate, upper left, with partial Arms of Amsterdam watermark. Inscribed "A" in brown ink to verso, likely an unidentified collector's mark. New Hollstein's first state of two; Usticke’s second state of three. Plate: 5 15/16" H x 5 7/16" W. Sheet: 6" H x 5 5/8" W. Ref: Bartsch, Hollstein (White and Boon) 265; Hind 170; New Hollstein 182.

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

A richly inked, crisp, early impression with burr to thumb of right hand, lower right edge of robe, and lines along lower edge of plate. Faint, even toning to sheet and acidic discoloration to corners outside of plate, except for upper left corner where discoloration extends into extreme edge of plate mark. Some negligible foxing throughout, primarily to lower right quadrant.