Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) A scholar in his study (Faust), 1652 Etching, engraving, and drypoint on laid paper 8-1/8 x 6-1/4 inches (20.6 x 15.9 cm) (image) 8-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches (sheet) New Hollstein's first state (of 7) Property from an important Connecticut collection LITERATURE: Bartsch, 270; Hollstein, 260; New Hollstein, 270. The earliest title given to this haunting and mysterious print is found in Clement de Jonghe's inventory of 1679, where it is described simply as Practicing Alchemist. In 1731 the inventory of the Dutch collector, Valerius Röver, identified the print as Doctor Faustus, the name by which it is remains commonly known. Although this title was only coined later, it seems fairly safe to assume that Rembrandt based his print on the legendary magician and alchemist: Christopher Marlowe's "Tragical History of Doctor Faustus" was performed in Amsterdam about 1650 while Rembrandt was residing there. The meaning of the print has been much debated in the Rembrandt literature, but one reading of it may be that no matter how earnestly scholars, and mankind in general, search for knowledge, they can only perceive the truth as if in a glass darkly - in other words, indirectly and in a distorted way. Human knowledge is limited, and it is only through Jesus Christ, symbolized by the disc with the Latin acronym INRI, that we can fine perfect knowledge. A scarce first state of this desirable print. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved