The angel appearing to the shepherds.

Etching and drypoint, 26,1 x 22 cm, laid paper with watermark (Foolscap with five-point collar: WIRE project, no. I.a.c., datable ca. 1648), signed in the plate at the lower right corner "Rembrandt f. 1634" (fold running diagonally across lower half, hardly visible).

Under passe-partout.

One of Rembrandt's most captivating etchings, focussing on the moment when the sheperds are called by the archangel. A very clean and well-balanced impression of the 5th state (of 6), after a reworking of the plate and strengthening of shadow lines.
Ref. New Hollstein (Rembrandt) 125.5. - Hollstein 44.3.