It shows scene  in Rembrandt´s  studio:  in the presence  of higher visitors and clients (from left to right)  :  royal(?) pair ,  young Van Dyck, his teacher Rubens and even Rembrandt,showing them knight armours as possible attributes for  futured painting . Whole scene was arranged  by the artist, who was called  in his  time as  " Historical  painter in watercolour by King Wilhelm IV" .  This watercolour is typical for Epoche of Historicism. As it famous,  Rembrandt never met  with Rubens and Van Dyck , although  Rubens  had influenced Rembrandt in his work.

The author of watercolour James Stephanoff was watercolour painter and illustrator, court historical artist by King Wilhelm IY, 1819/1861- he was a member of "Old" Water-colour Society and exibited his historical works untill 1859. He illustrated Pyne´s "Royal Residences" and Nayler´s "Coronation of George IV". His works are exibited   in  British Museum and  in Vict.&Alb.Museum in London and in the National Gallery in Bristol.

By international art auctions arrive some watercolours of  James Stephanoff  extreme high estimates. For example:  "The Connoisseur", 51 x 70 cm was sold on 11.07.1991 by auction of Sotheby´s London for 32000 brit.pounds (57000 US$); watercolour "The ascent of the arts " was sold on 8.11.1994 by auction house Christies/London for 73.000 brit. pounds (118.256 US$).

Literature:  Thieme/Becker "Allgemeines Lexikon der bildenden Künsler", Leipzig, 1999.

Inscription: signed upper right and dated 1838, on the backside - old inscription in english.

Technique: watercolour on paper laid on stretcher , luxuriousy original period gold-plated frame

Measurements: unframed w 25 1/4 " x h 21 1/4 " (64 x 54 cm), framed w 36 1/4 " x h 32 1/4 " (92 x 82 cm )

Condition: in good condition.