Reclining Female Nude
Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), 1658
About this artwork
In 1658, at the pinnacle of his career, Rembrandt van Rijn created *Reclining Female N*, a groundbreaking etching that showcases his mastery of printmaking the Dutch Golden Age. Signed "Rembrandt f. 1658," this intimate work—measuring just 8.1 by 15.9 cm on its plate—combines etching, drypoint and engraving on warm Japanese paper, the second of six evolving states held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the H. O. Havemeyer Collection. Rembrandt revolutionized the medium here, blending velvetypoint lines with intentional plate tone (films of ink left on the plate) and the paper's golden hue to evoke a luminous, painterly glow. This "Negress Lying Down," as it's sometimes called due to its rich dark tones, invites close viewing, its small scale drawing us into the figure's corporeal presence and unidealized form—a radical break from classical nudes. Through profound humanism, Rembrandt depicts a real woman resting with naturalism and dignity, capturing psychological depth that influenced printmakers for centuries. Printed on prized Japanese paper for its ink receptivity, this impression exemplifies his innovative vision, blending technical brilliance with emotional truth.