man in background and woman in foreground walking toward the right edge of the picture plane; woman holding a walking stick; loose drawing of foliage in background in front of figures; matted and in frame with four other prints

Two Tramps, a Man and a Woman, c. 1634

Not on Viewexpand_more

In the 1600s, the Dutch viewed indigents with mercy, derision, or intolerance. What Rembrandt saw was their humanity. This couple clearly has an important goal, as we see from the woman’s purposeful look and the sense of motion on the man’s foot. Rembrandt had one idea for the man’s hat but then made it taller, increasing his stature. He then used the etching needle like a quill pen, darkening the contours of the hat and other areas.

Details
Title
Two Tramps, a Man and a Woman
Artist Life
1606 - 1669
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.13
Provenance
George Hibbert (1757-1837), Lugt 2849, London (until 1809; sale, Thomas Philipe, London, April 1809). William Esdaile (1758-1837), Lugt 2617, London (until 1840, his sale, Christie's, London, June 1840). Charles Scarisbrick (1801-1860), Lugt 522, Scarisbrick Hall and Wrightington (until 1861; sale, Christie's, London, May 13, 1861). John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
Catalogue Raisonne
White+Boon 144; Hind 116; New Hollstein 130 apparently ii/ii (cut too close to say with certainty)
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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man in background and woman in foreground walking toward the right edge of the picture plane; woman holding a walking stick; loose drawing of foliage in background in front of figures; matted and in frame with four other prints