Customer Reviews

The Complete Etchings of Rembrandt: Reproduced in Original Size (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

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Although budget-priced, this edition is a winner, in my opinion. All of Rembrandt's etchings are reproduced on a heavy-stock paper that is of the proper degree of shine necessary to bring out the full, crisp nuances of the etchings. The result are vividly life-like etchings that show all their intricate details. Faces and people come alive, almost jumping out of the page. The Dover people were right in thinking that only a shiny, heavy-stock paper could bring out the full details of the etchings, to create reproductions that are as closely realistic as the original impressions. Also, almost all of the impressions seem of the proper degree of sharpness and darkness necessary to bring out their details. My only problem is that the book is somewhat heavy and bulky, but this is the price to pay for the heavy-stock paper needed for excellent reproductions, each of the same size as the originals. There are also some extra inserts in the book that reproduce in full size several etchings that are too big to fit life-size within the dimensions of the book. The inclusion of these inserts is considerate on the part of the authors, showing their dedication to bringing out the full artistry of the etchings, and ensuring that the common budget book-buyer has full access to these etchings in their most vivid, almost museum-like form.

Rembrandt didn't invent etching, but he very nearly reinvented it. He did more with mixed processes, especially drypoint and etching, than anyone before him. He was also among the first to use etching as a drawing medium, giving it a freedom it had never had before.

One distinctive feature of this book is that each print is reproduced full size. That gives the viewer unique insight into each work - was it small enough to fit the hand, or so big it had to be worked on a bench or table? Just how fine was that texture of lines? Even the biggest prints are presented full size, in a set of oversized sheets that come with the book.

Probably hundreds of authors have written about Rembrandt's art, especially his drawing and etchings. I don't have much to add except what I personally have learned from his work. As well as light and dark, Rembrandt modulates a picture in levels of detail. Look at B76, for example, "Christ presented to the people." The central figures have expression and nuance. Outliers, like those towards lower left are barely sketched in. It's a fascinating way for the artist to guide the viewer's attention.

One author (I forget who) was asked to name the finest printmaker of all time. He started by eliminating Rembrandt, on the grounds that this master went so far past any mortal skill that he was outside of merely human history. This book shows just where that claim came from.

//wiredweird

We first saw this book as a reference source in an art gallery that was selling original Rembrandt etchings. The book provides an explanation of how the etchings were produced and provides photos of all (found) Rembrandt etchings in their original sizes. Since we were not very familiar with Rembrandt's etchings or with the differences in the appearance of originals produced later using the same plates, this book helped provide us with a means to evaluate the ones being sold at the gallery.
The book is also priced well and makes a great coffee table book.

What a wonderful feeling having ALL Rembrandt etchings at hand in one single volume, all in original size and breathtaking printing quality. You get the impression of being all of a sudden a nineteenth century Rembrandt collector who overnight succeeded in having the complete collection. It's really a magic feeling, merit of the outstanding quality of the reproductions. Weight has been put on the graphic part, text is too little - could have been somewhat richer.

Well worth every penny for Rembrandt lovers. A multi-million+ dollars worth of Rembrandt etchings for just pennies a work. You could even cut these copies out & have them framed. There are now only 81 original copper plates still in existence from which they make additional copies ever 100 years, or so. I bought the last 3 copies from the "millennial edition" (2000) from the latest authorized editions from original copper plates.

Incredible simple, refined down to the content you want, great reproductions and a great price. If only there were more art books like this. (check out dover's complete durer as well - similar in quality)

A valuable reference tool at a wonderfully affordable price. Very pleased with my purchase.

A goodl collection for the priceThe Complete Etchings of Rembrandt: Reproduced in Original Size