Early 20th Century Study of Rembrandt’s Portrait of Old Woman Russian for Niello Engraving A wonderful study of Rembrandt’s portrait of an Old Woman used for Niello engraving by Russian artist Eustaphy Pavlovich Shilnikovsky (Russian, 19th/20th century), circa 1910. The artist studied under famous Russian engraver Vasily Mate. Shlinikovsky would later become the artistic director of the Northern Niello with the products of the factory made by his sketches. (Niello arts were important in the history of art because they had developed skills and techniques that transferred easily to engraving plates for printmaking.) In 1937 works from the town Veliky Ustyug, including Shilnikovsky's, were successfully exhibited at the International Exposition of Art and Technology in Modern Life in Paris. Signed, below impression, lower right Presented in new mat Condition: Good; paper discoloration is consistent with age; minor ripples; Minor tear on edge of corner, reinforced for stability. Impression size: 17.50"H x 13.75"W Paper size: 20"H x 16"W Size of Mat: 28"H x 20"W A native of Veliky Ustyug, Eustapy Shilnikovsky was educated at the Petersburg Academy of Arts in the studio of the famous engraver Vasily Mate. His mentor was an important engraver in Russia during the late 19th century who collaborating with major Russian painters and produced engravings of their paintings, thus helping popularize Russian art. After his returning to Ustyug, Shilnikovsky was carried away by the art of niello and from 1936 to 1962 he was the artistic director of the Northern Niello. For many years, the products of the factory were made by his sketches. In 1937, works from Veliky Ustyug were successfully exhibited at the International Exposition of Art and Technology in Modern Life in Paris. Deep study of the features of the old niello art helped to E. Shilnikovsky in creating new ornamental and visual compositions. Hi works included traditional city landscapes; jubilee cups, glass-holders and bracelets were decorated with views of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. (Source: The Virtual Russian Museum)