Rembrandt van Rijn

Bartsch (ii/iii) second state (of 3); Biörklund second state (of 4); Usticke's first state of (3). Basel Crozier watermark (Ash/Fletcher 11 Aa). A strong and rich impression, extremely fine lines of beard and around eyes.
The Basel Crozier watermark dates from 1501 when Basel seceded from Germany and joined the Swiss Confederation. Basel had been an ancient bishopric, and a variations of the bishop's staff or crozier had long appeared on coins and seals. The Basel Crozier is a symbol of the city of Basel.
Reference: Bartsch 262, Hind 92, BB 32-2;