Rare Rembrandt counterproof to go under the hammer at Cheffins Fine Sale

A rare first-state counterproof etching by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606–1669), Jan Uytenbogaert, “The Goldweigher” (1639), will go under the hammer as part of The Fine Sale at Cheffins on 3^rd December.

This print, on laid paper with a Strasbourg lily watermark and measuring 24 x 20.5 cm, represents a unique window into Rembrandt’s creative process. The counterproof, made from a freshly inked impression in the same orientation as the copper plate, allowed the artist to experiment with subsequent changes. In this impression, Rembrandt added subtle black-chalk details to Uytenbogaert’s hair, highlighting his meticulous attention to capturing the sitter’s likeness. It is being sold by a private, Cambridge-based collector, and has an estimate of £10,000 - £20,000.

Jan Uytenbogaert (1608–1680), a prominent tax collector in Amsterdam, was a close friend and supporter of Rembrandt. Their relationship began, most likely, in Leiden, and deepened in Amsterdam when Uytenbogaert intervened to assist Rembrandt during a period of financial difficulty. This print, likely created as a gesture of gratitude, emphasizes the personal nature of the artist’s work.

Provenance traces back to the vendor’s father, probably acquired in Amsterdam during the mid-1970s. The print is identified as the first state of three (Bartsch, Hollstein 281; Hind 167; New Hollstein 172) and demonstrates the artist’s experimentation before completing the sitter’s likeness in subsequent impressions.

Patricia Cross, Head of Old Master, 18th and 19th Century art at Cheffins comments: “After much research, we identified this print as a rare counterproof created by Rembrandt himself in order to experiment with different ideas, particularly focusing on the sitter’s facial features. It provides an invaluable insight into Rembrandt’s working methods, with the chalk marks around the sitters’ head almost certainly added by Rembrandt. The vendor’s father was an avid collector of prints, and this particular example is exciting as it would have formed the beginning of the artists’ creative process in what would end up being an incredibly famous picture. We are delighted to have the opportunity to offer this significant work to the market, and are sure that Rembrandt collectors, as well as institutions will be interested in this very special piece.”

Auction: The Fine Sale – 3rd December 2025

Location: Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 7EA

For further information contact the Fine Art Department on 01223 213343, [email protected]