The Triumph of Mordecai Value Guide

Created in 1641, 'The Triumph of Mordecai' is a quintessential example of Rembrandt van Rijn's mastery of the etching medium during the Dutch Golden Age. This work is highly collectible for its dramatic use of chiaroscuro and its poignant depiction of the biblical reversal of fortune between Mordecai and Haman.

What Is The Triumph of Mordecai Worth?

The typical price range for The Triumph of Mordecai is $2,500 - $4,000 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific 'state' of the print, as earlier impressions from the original plate typically command higher prices than later posthumous restrikes.
• Physical condition of the paper, including the presence of foxing, trimming of the margins, or historical repairs.
• The clarity and contrast of the ink, as worn plates produce 'greyer' images that lack the dramatic depth of early pulls.
• Provenance and documentation linking the piece to reputable galleries or significant private collections of Old Master prints.

How to Identify The Triumph of Mordecai?

• Examine the intricate interplay of light and shadow, specifically how the crowd in the background is rendered with fine, overlapping etched lines.
• Verify the 1641 execution date and look for characteristic Rembrandt plate marks or evidence of specific 'states' of the etching.
• Inspect the paper for historical watermarks, such as the Foolscap or Seven Provinces, which are common in authentic 17th-century Dutch prints.
• Check for the distinct psychological expressions on the faces of King Ahasuerus and the disgruntled Haman leading the horse.

History of The Triumph of Mordecai

Rembrandt's 'The Triumph of Mordecai' is a masterful etching created during the Dutch Golden Age. It illustrates a pivotal moment from the Old Testament, where Mordecai, a Jewish man, is honored by King Ahasuerus for uncovering a plot against him, much to the chagrin of the villain Haman. Rembrandt often drew inspiration from biblical narratives, infusing his prints with dramatic intensity and psychological depth. This particular work showcases his extraordinary skill in rendering intricate details and capturing complex emotions through the interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of his printmaking.