Rembrandt van Rijn
1606-1669 | Dutch

Canal with a Large Boat and a Bridge

Etching on paper
New Hollstein Dutch 252: second state of two
Signed and dated lower left: Rembrandt. f. 1650 / (d and 6 en verso)

Among the very best of the Old Masters stands the revered Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, arguably the greatest etcher in the history of art. The most important Dutch printmaker of all time, his oeuvre features close to 300 authenticated prints, and his innovative techniques in the medium are without precedent. This superb etching, entitled Canal with a Large Boat and a Bridge, displays the artistry and detail for which Rembrandt's prints are renowned.

This small and exquisite landscape is often understood to be the pendant of another small etching from the same year, Canal with an Angler and Two Swans(NH 253), based on their similar size, style and rounded platemark above. The typical Dutch motif of a boat moored in a canal is enriched here with a rocky landscape in the left background among other picturesque elements. This composition is a very fine, warm impression with significant burr, from the second state.

The son of a miller, Rembrandt van Rijn is believed to have been born in Leiden on July 15, 1606. He studied first at the Latin School and then was enrolled at the University of Leiden at the age of 14. He soon left to study art — first with a local master, Jacob van Swanenburch, and then, in Amsterdam, with Pieter Lastman, known for his historical paintings. Rembrandt was an exceptionally gifted student and mastered his craft in a mere six months. At 22 years old, he returned to Leiden and was soon so highly regarded that he was able to take students of his own.

Though known today primarily for his paintings, Rembrandt’s fame spread outside of the Netherlands thanks to his etchings. He made hundreds of etchings throughout his career from 1626 until 1660, the year he was forced to sell his presses. He created etchings of numerous subjects, including self-portraits, biblical subjects, saints and allegories, and his work was avidly admired and collected, even during his lifetime.

Dated 1650