Landscape with a Road beside a Canal (The Wooded Road)
Print on paper • Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669)
Style & Movement
Dutch Golden Age Baroque
Medium & Technique
Etching and drypoint on heavy-weight laid paper
Creation Period
Original plate c. 1652; this impression is a later state or posthumous restrike
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 7.4 x 21 cm (Plate size); Landscape format
Subject Description
A rural landscape featuring a canal and a road lined with trees. The composition utilizes Rembrandt's mastery of atmospheric perspective, with dense hatching in the foliage and lighter strokes for the background. A small figure and a boat are visible near the water, characteristic of his Dutch countryside observations.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant foxing and visible staining on the support
Estimated Market Value
USD 2,000 - 5,000 (assuming posthumous edition/later state)
Auction Estimate
USD 1,500 - 3,500
Provenance History
Likely part of a private collection; the inscription 'M.9 K.52' on the lower left margin suggests an old inventory or cataloguing system, possibly referring to Bartsch or Munnich catalogue states.
Art Historical Significance
Rembrandt's landscape etchings are foundational to the genre, moving away from idealized vistas toward a naturalistic, intimate recording of the Dutch terrain. This plate specifically demonstrates his use of drypoint to add depth and texture.
Notable Features
Handwritten inventory marks in pencil/ink on the lower margin (M.9 K.52); visible plate mark edges indicating the physical impression process; distinct cross-hatching technique typical of Rembrandt’s late-middle period etchings.
Condition Issues
Prominent brown foxing spots throughout the paper; overall yellowing/toning of the sheet; possible thinning at corners due to prior mounting; plate wear visible in the loss of fine burr marks.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator to reduce foxing; deacidification treatment; archival matting with acid-free materials; UV-filtering glass for display.