319. Faustus [1652; 17th-18th century run]

The engraving made by Rembrandt in 1652 is one of the most analysed and debated images created by the artist in his entire work. Without the annotations and a title given by the artist, art historians have constantly tried to decipher this complex picture since as early as the end of the 17th century. The first interpretation, typical of the past centuries, was to be given in the 1670s by Clement de Jonghe, a contemporary and collector of Rembrandt, who entitled it "The Practical Alchemist." The picture presents a wise man/an alchemist in his study, but the intriguing element is undoubtedly the "apparition" at the window and the three magical circles starting from the INRI Christian tetragram and ending outward with the anagramation of TETRAGRAM GRAAL SATAN (God, Holy Grail/Ideal, Satan). The interior of the study presents the symbolism known for the presentation of the individuality and the practices of a wise man: the Earth globe, the human skull (Vanitas), the papers and documents. At the beginning of the 18th century the engraving received a new interpretation, being entitled "Doctor Faustus" in 1731 by Valerius Röver (1686-1739), a title that has since been used in the history of art as the most relevant one. Rembrandt would certainly have known the tragedy written by Christopher Marlowe and performed in Amsterdam in 1650.

Dimensions

width 16 cm, height 21 cm, custom 16x21

Description

etching, needle engraving and chisel etching

Lot.notes

marca colecţiei P. Davidsohn (Lugt 654) şi anul 1882, cu peniţa în cerneală brună.

Dating

1652; 17th-18th century run

PROVENANCE

early 20th century, the collection of Paul Davidsohn (1839-1927), collector, merchant, associate of the British Museum, sold in 1920 in Leipzig.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.