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Vliet, Jan van (after Rembrandt van Rijn)
The Baptism of the Eunuch
1631

The baptism of an Ethiopian eunuch by the apostle Philip is recounted in the Bible’s book of Acts as a tale of recognition and rebirth. Rembrandt favoured such stories of conversion, and a now lost composition by him was the source for Jan van Vliet’s print. This etching is the earliest proof of a professional relationship between the two artists. Though the rationale behind the collaboration remains speculative, the grand size and impressive range of tones surpasses what Rembrandt could achieve in his own prints in 1631.

 
Vliet, Jan van (after Rembrandt van Rijn)
Leiden, Netherlands around 1600–Leiden, Netherlands 1668
The Baptism of the Eunuch
1631
etching and engraving on paper, state 1 of 1
height / width: 58.7 cm x 48.8 cm
Purchase with the support of Frances K. Smith, 2003
46-001

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