Rembrandt - An Evolution of Etchings

Rembrandt: An Evolution of Etching. The exhibit will feature the copper plate etchings of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669). While Rembrandt is widely known for his paintings, he is critically acclaimed for his mastery of the art of etching. Rembrandt achieved dramatic detail while incorporating the use of light and dark. Of the three hundred or so known etchings by Rembrandt, the Arlington Museum of Art will be showing work from the four major themes of his work including portraits and self-portraits, biblical scenes, genre scenes, and landscapes. The exhibition showcases some of his most celebrated etchings as well as some of his lesser known and rarely exhibited pieces.

Because of his notoriety, Rembrandt van Rijn is arguably one of the most imitated artists; therefore, forgeries common find their way into the marketplace. This exhibition will allow visitors to examine some forgeries. Often after his death, the engraving plates were re-struck creating less valuable editions. In an attempt to perfect his work, Rembrandt would create several states or versions of a singular image. This exhibit will demonstrate the difference between the states created by the artists own hand, a re-strike from his original engraving plates and forgeries.