Rembrandt Original Heliogravure 1881 Etching of Jan Six by Amand-Durand Unmatted, Unframed

Title: Portrait of Jan Six
Artists: Rembrandt van Rijn - (1606-1669) - Dutch artist
Charles Amand-Durand (1831-1905) - French artist
Technique: Heliogravure Etching - etched on a copper plate and printed as an ordinary etching in the standard way using damp paper and a traditional etching press.
Signature: Identified under the print
Date Published: Originally etched in 1647, heliogravure etching in 1881.
Edition: Limited Editions as published in The Portfolio art journal in 1881.
Dimensions
Sheet size - 9-3/4 x 13-3/4 inches, Image size - 7-1/4 x 9-1/4 (actual size of original print)
Condition: Excellent Condition, as published, with only a couple of light spots at the bottom margin. This print has never been matted or framed.
References: The Portfolio art journal 1881
Rembrandt’s original etching is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be seen on their website.
An original of Rembrandt's Portrait of Jan Six etching sold at Christie's in 2009 for over $6,000.
Printing: A strong impressions printed by master etcher and printer Amand-Durand in black ink on natural laid paper with MBM and Portfolio watermarks at his shop in Paris.
Presentation: Unmatted and unframed. This print has never been matted or framed. Blank on the back, not laid down. Ship in a plastic sleeve with a backing board.
Description: Amand-Durand was a master of what he called the heliogravure by which an image was transferred through a photomechanical means onto a specially prepared copper plate, etched in acid, and then printed on damp paper on a hand press in limited quantities just as an etching would be. It is a process that allowed for very detailed reproductions with all the gradations of tones found in the originals. He worked from actual fine quality prints of the original etchings, and his prints are often indistinguishable from the original artist etchings.

"Portrait of Jan Six" is an interesting dark etching that relies on a window for its only light. Six is engaged in reading a publication and doesn't make eye contact with the artist, or viewer. If you look closely you can make out some of the items in the barely lit room including a nicely framed painting on the wall. Jan Six was a wealthy childhood friend of Rembrandt who continued to be a friend and patron throughout their lives. The Amand-Durand etching is faithful to Rembrandt's original etching and is the exact size.