Clump of Trees with a Vista

Rembrandt was deeply interested in drypoint, sometimes adding it as embellishment to his etched work. "Clump of Trees with a Vista" is one of two pure drypoint landscapes he executed in 1652. In drypoint, the needle is scratched directly onto the copper plate, throwing up small curls of metal to build up on each side of the line. When printed, drypoint lines display rich velvety tones with blurred edges and stand in contrast to the thin, crisp lines associated with etching.

Rembrandt skillfully employed drypoint for effect in this print. Notice how the velvety lines create a sense of windswept movement within the trees, enveloping the farmhouse below them with an animated liveliness.