Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap (B. 265) - Intaglio Print

Name: Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap (B. 265) - Intaglio Print
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Framed intaglio print after Rembrandt depicting an old bearded man in a large fur hat, dated 1640. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$150 - $800

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Type

Museum Object

OLD MAN WITH A DIVIDED FUR CAP (B. 265) - INTAGLIO PRINT: IDENTIFICATION

A monochromatic intaglio print—likely an etching or heliogravure—measuring approximately 6 by 5.5 inches at the plate mark, depicting a bearded man in a heavy cloak and a prominent divided fur hat. The subject rests his right hand on his chest. In the upper left quadrant of the plate, the inscription reads 'Rembrandt f. 1640'. A distinct, deep plate mark frames the image, indicating it was pressed from a metal matrix. The paper visible within and around the margins appears notably bright and free of oxidation or foxing, housed within a modern bevel-cut conservation mat and a wooden frame with a gilt inner slip.

Compare with other prints in the archive: Miniature Print of Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' in Rococo-Style Frame, Abraham and Isaac (Bartsch 34), Etching after Rembrandt van Rijn, Rembrandt van Rijn (after) - A Girl Sleeping (Hendrickje Stoffels), Facsimile Print.

PRINT LINEAGE

Rembrandt van Rijn created the original etching for this image, known in catalogue raisonnés as Bartsch 265, in 1640. Rather than a formal commissioned portrait, this work is recognized as a 'tronie'—a character study focusing on expressive facial features and exotic costumes. The original copper plates created by Rembrandt survived his death in 1669 and passed through several hands, including Clement de Jonghe and Pierre-François Basan, resulting in numerous posthumous printing editions well into the 20th century.

COLLECTOR NOTES

The standard reference number for this image, B. 265, originates from Adam von Bartsch's 1797 catalogue raisonné of Rembrandt's etchings.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 18 prints items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Pristine, bright white paper is highly uncharacteristic for a 17th-century lifetime impression.
Rembrandt's B.265 has been heavily reproduced via photogravure (Amand-Durand) and modern restrikes from the original surviving plate.
The presence of a plate mark confirms the intaglio process but does not confirm the printing date or matrix originality.

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE

Museum-Trained Art Historian

Connoisseur

Identification of the image as Rembrandt's B.265 is definitive, but visual evidence alone cannot confirm if this is a late posthumous strike from the original plate or a highly accurate 19th-century heliogravure. The estimated date reflects the likelihood of the paper over the date in the plate.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Inscription 'Rembrandt f. 1640' accurately matches Bartsch 265.
2Visible, deep plate mark confirms the intaglio printing method (not a flat lithograph).
3Paper brightness and lack of oxidation strongly suggest a printing date centuries after 1640.
4Modern, acid-free style bevel-cut matting implies recent presentation.

UNCERTAINTIES

•The pristine condition of the paper margin strongly contradicts a 1640 printing date.
•Cannot differentiate between a late Basan/Jean posthumous strike and an Amand-Durand reproduction without examining the paper's watermark and verso.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Unframe the piece to inspect the verso for the red Amand-Durand stamped monogram.
→Examine the paper against strong light to identify any maker watermarks (e.g., Van Gelder Zonen).
→Examine the ink lines under at least 20x magnification to distinguish between actual etched lines and photogravure reticulation.

CONDITION & GRADE

Very Good

Grading breakdown

Visually pristine within the visible aperture; no evidence of age-related deterioration (foxing, acid burn) typical of 17th-century paper. Full evaluation requires un-framing to examine the sheet edges and verso.

Condition

The visible printed surface and sheet margins appear remarkably clean, showing no visible foxing, tears, creases, or mat burn. The ink presents with sharp contrast against a bright white paper support. The framing and matting appear to be of modern, late-20th or 21st-century construction.

PRINT MARKET VALUATION

$150 - $800

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of Old Master prints, interior designers seeking classical aesthetics, and print study collections.

What increases value

•Verification of a specific edition (e.g., an 18th-century Basan edition commands more than a 20th-century museum restrike).
•Clarity and contrast of the inked lines (early states show less plate wear).

What lowers value

•Confirmation as a modern photogravure or offset reproduction drops value significantly.
•Hidden acid damage or trimming of margins under the current mat.

What makes top-tier examples

•Lifetime impressions printed by Rembrandt himself on 17th-century paper with appropriate watermarks.
•Presence of drypoint burr (velvety black ink edges) which wears away quickly after the first few dozen prints.