Leiden 1606 – Amsterdam 1669
The miracle of the floating axe
Washed pen on paper
Dated: 1653
145 x 197 mm
Inv.nr. T84-1946, Cat.nr.T7
Benesch 932
This drawing used to be reckoned among the early works of Rembrandt, nowadays it is thought to stem from a later date, ± 1653. The watermark(fool’s cap with monogram FC) is typical for this later period. The disciples of Elisa have dropped a borrowed axe in the water.The prophet takes a piece of wood, throws it to where the axe disappeared and says: “take it up”. And the other stretched out his hand and took it (2 Kings 6:1-7).