The Álvarez Collection
Technical Gallery

The Mill (1641) · Full Image Set

Technical Data
Full View of the Print.
Full View of the Print.
Full view of the sheet, showing complete deckle edges, an unbroken platemark, and the intact surface texture characteristic of seventeenth-century Dutch laid paper. The preservation of the margins and the absence of lining, pressing, or trimming provide material confirmation that the impression has remained in exceptionally stable private conditions, allowing the survival of early-state features such as measurable burr and strong plate relief.
Full Reverse (Transmitted Light).
Full Reverse (Transmitted Light).
Reverse view of the entire sheet, showing the natural translucency of seventeenth-century Dutch laid paper. The chain lines, laid lines, and localized density variations are fully intact, with no evidence of lining, washing, or structural reinforcement. The preservation of the paper’s internal architecture — including the areas where the PvL countermark becomes visible under transmitted light — confirms that the sheet has remained unaltered and retains its original mechanical integrity.
Paper and PvL Countermark
PvL countermark — full view (transmitted light).
Countermark PvL.a — full view (transmitted light).
Full transmitted-light view of the Van der Ley PvL.a countermark. The oval form, internal curvature, and characteristic serifed “P” match the morphology recorded in the WIRE Project dataset (HMP 234985.b). The countermark appears clearly within the fiber matrix, confirming that the mark is integral to the original seventeenth-century paper and not a surface artifact or later addition.
PvL countermark: height measurement (18 mm).
PvL countermark: height measurement (18 mm).
Transmitted-light macro showing the vertical dimension of the Van der Ley PvL.a countermark.
PvL countermark: width measurement (9 mm).
PvL countermark: width measurement (9 mm).
Transmitted-light macro showing the horizontal dimension of the Van der Ley PvL.a countermark.
Chain line spacing (29.04 mm).
Chain line spacing (29.04 mm).
Transmitted-light macro showing the measured distance between two consecutive chain lines (29.04 mm).
Paper fibers under the microscope.
Paper fibers under the microscope.
Transmitted-light macro showing the internal fibre structure of the seventeenth-century laid paper.
Platemark
Platemark, upper left
Platemark, upper left.
Macro view of the upper left corner of the platemark.
Platemark, upper right
Platemark, upper right.
Macro detail of the upper right corner of the platemark.
Platemark, lower left
Platemark, lower left.
Macro view of the lower left section of the platemark.
Platemark, lower right
Platemark, lower right.
Macro detail of the lower right section of the platemark.
Reverse under ultraviolet illumination (low intensity)
Reverse under ultraviolet illumination (low intensity)
The paper exhibits a homogeneous fluorescence consistent with historic rag paper, with no evidence of modern optical brighteners, localized restoration, adhesives, or reinforced areas. The platemark appears as a continuous zone of altered fiber density, consistent with mechanical pressure from intaglio printing.
TECHNICAL DATA & METHODOLOGY
Specular Reflection Analysis and Active Burr
Structural Integrity of the Mill Sails
Micro-Architecture of the Linear Structure
Analysis of Hatching and Tonal Vibration
Definition of Micro-Figures (Narrative Integrity)
Linear Dynamics in the Water
Calligraphy and Morphology of the Signature (1641)
Macro Details
Macro Details Fig.1
Macro Details Fig.2
Macro Details Fig.3
Macro Details Fig.4
Macro Details Fig.5
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Macro Details Fig.7
Macro Details Fig.8
Macro Details Fig.9
Macro Details Fig.10
Macro Details Fig.11
Macro Details Fig.12
Macro Details Fig.13
Macro Details Fig.14
Macro Details Fig.15
Macro Details Fig.16
Macro Details Fig.17
Macro Details Fig.18
Macro Details Fig.19
Macro Details Fig.20
Macro Details Fig.21
Macro Details Fig.22
Macro Details Fig.23
Macro Details Fig.24
MICROSCOPIC LINE ANALYSIS
Saturated Filiform Burr (Active Dry point)
Velvety Black Drypoint Burr
Deep Intaglio Burr — Active Hatching Structure
Active Filiform Drypoint Burr — Signature “R
Micro Details
Micro Details Fig.1
Micro Details Fig.2
Micro Details Fig.3
Micro Details Fig.4
Micro Details Fig.5
Micro Details Fig.6
Micro Details Fig.7
Micro Details Fig.8
Micro Details Fig.9
Micro Details Fig.10
Micro Details Fig.11
Micro Details Fig.12
Comparative Overlays
Comparative view of Zone A (Private Impression vs. Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90)
Comparative view of Zone A (Private Impression vs. Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90).
Signature comparison “Rembrandt f. 1641” (Private Impression vs. Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90)
Signature comparison “Rembrandt f. 1641” (Private Impression vs. Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90).
Comparative overlay and plate impression alignment.(Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90 vs . Private Impression)
Comparative overlay and plate impression alignment.(Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90 vs . Private Impression).
Architectural Overlay (Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90 vs Private Impression)
Architectural Overlay (Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90 vs Private Impression).
Signature overlay (Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90 vs Private Impression)
Signature overlay (Rijksmuseum RP-P-1962-90 vs Private Impression).
Collection · Works