Adam Et Eve

Rembrandt (1606-1669) | Etching | Framed | 4.5 x 6 inches

Charles Amand-Durand (1831-1905), a French painter and engraver of the highest reputation, was commissioned by The Louvre in Paris with the seemingly impossible task to produce engravings and etchings from the original copper plate designs made by Rembrandt and other famous artists of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Rembrandt’s engravings were created in the 1600’s but by the mid 1800’s the original plates were in a worn and defective condition. In order to form exact reproductions, Durand dedicated a major part of his life to recreate engravings in exact detail using the 1st and 2nd State prints of Rembrandt’s original works. He accomplished this by using silver, amalgam, steel, mercury, copper and asphalt from the Dead Sea.

Durand was so incredibly talented that he was able to publish engravings indiscernible from the originals but with the added advantage of using much higher quality paper allowing the prints to be preserved for future generations. Such was the perfection of his achievements that the process was eventually banned because it was felt it could be fraudulently used to print French currency.

The genius of Durand was recognised by George Duplessis, Conservator of the Cabinet de Estampes which culminated in the publication of prestigious books incorporating Durand’s work by the Bibliotheque Nationale in France. In 1895 Theo Van Gogh, brother and manager of Vincent Van Gogh, stumbled across Durand’s work and was amongst many expressing his enthusiasm for Durand’s artistic talents and intellect.

Released rom a small private collection of original Durand engravings purchased in the early 1970’s, this particular example enables the work of Rembrandt to be seen outside of those acquired by well respected major collections and institutions throughout Europe including The Louvre Museum in Paris.

Spread the cost interest free over 10 months using Own Art* Available up to £2,500 UK for residents only.

Please enquire via email to info@thegalleryholt.com