Sheet of Studies with a Tree and the Upper Part of Rembrandt’s Head in a Velvet Cap

Rembrandt sometimes used his etching plate as a sketchbook. He would combine unrelated motifs together on a single copperplate. The sequence is unclear, but as each print is rotated, a different motif takes precedence. Also striking is the fact that on each plate he began making a self-portrait, which he then left unfinished.