SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 9, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- American Fine Art Editions of Scottsdale, Ariz., has just unveiled a new Website devoted to the etchings of Rembrandt as recreated by renowned engraver Amand-Durand. The company recently acquired all of the original copperplate engravings for the collection known as "Amand-Durand after Rembrandt."
These meticulously detailed engravings reproduce the Rembrandt etchings to the actual size of originals and the collection may be of interest to people of all religious faiths as much of the subject matter is Rembrandt's interpretation of scenes from the Jewish Bible and the New Testament. The technology of the Internet is combining with a craft unchanged for some 400 years to afford the general public a rare opportunity to own original fine art works.
Rembrandt was born in the Netherlands in 1606 and his etchings first appeared around 1626. The secret art of etching was then barely 100 years old. Although the materials have changed somewhat since that time, the process of etching remains essentially the same.
Shortly before his death, Rembrandt sold all his etching plates to a European family with the stipulation that nothing be printed until 100 years after his death. The first printing from these somewhat worn plates was in the mid-1700s.
Amand-Durand, a highly regarded French engraver of the mid-1800s, recognized that the original Rembrandt plates had grown flat from use and that the detailing of the printed images was deteriorating. Fearing that the beauty of the etchings would be lost to posterity, he devoted most of life to researching and engraving exact duplicates of the etchings. Upon Amand-Durand's death in 1905, his plates were sold to a French family who occasionally printed them in limited quantities. Although no deceit was intended, some of these "Amand-Durand after Rembrandt" etchings made their way into famous collections as originals.
About 16 years ago. an American art dealer in Europe researching Rembrandt etchings uncovered these noted Amand-Durand etchings which had fallen into obscurity. Wanting to share the history of these works with Americans, he purchased the entire collection of 348 plates.
Now, copies from this historical collection, "Amand-Durand after Rembrandt," are available to people worldwide through American Fine Art Editions' new Website at www.rembrandtart.com. The etchings are very affordable, with retail pricing for unframed etchings starting at only $120. Religious institutions will find the special wholesale programs offered by this fine art publisher especially attractive for fund-raising programs. For further information contact American Fine Art Editions at 480-990-1200 or visit the Website.
-0-
CONTACT: American Fine Art Editions, Scottsdale
Phillips Koss
480-990-1200
www.rembrandtart.com