Sheet of Studies with the Head of the Artist, a Beggar Man, Woman and Child
1651
Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669)
Not on View

Studies of whole figures and parts of the body are a traditional part of drawing practice. On such model sheets, the artist can sketch several motifs as preparation for depicting a particular scene. Here Rembrandt has used his etching needle much like a pencil, creating schematic impressions of the three forms. A beggar wearing a cap and carrying his begging bowl appears to the left of Rembrandt’s straightforward self-portrait; below his head, and horizontally oriented, a woman stands with her child. The change in orientation of the last two figures indicates that the artist turned the copper plate around as he worked.

Details

  • Artist Name: Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669)
  • Title: Sheet of Studies with the Head of the Artist, a Beggar Man, Woman and Child
  • Date: 1651
  • Medium: Etching
  • Edition: only state
  • Dimensions: plate: 4-1/2 x 3-3/4 in. (11.4 x 9.5 cm); sheet: 4-3/4 x 4 in. (12.1 x 10.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Norton Simon Art Foundation
  • Accession Number: M.1977.32.076.G
  • Copyright: © Norton Simon Art Foundation

Object Information

The Familiar Face: Portrait Prints by Rembrandt

  • Norton Simon Museum, 2009-12-04 to 2010-3-22

Rembrandt Portrait Etchings

  • Norton Simon Museum, 1986-05-22 to 1987-08-30

Rembrandt Etchings

  • Norton Simon Museum, 1978-08-10 to 1980
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 1452 p. 408
  • Hinterding, Erik; Rutgers, Jaco, The New Hollstein Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700 Rembrandt, 2013, p. 194, no. 261

Additional Artwork by Artist

A Nude Man Standing, Another Seated Rembrandt van Rijn c.1646 (Basan impression)
Beggar Leaning on a Stick, Facing Left Rembrandt van Rijn c. 1630
Beggars Receiving Alms at the Door of a House Rembrandt van Rijn 1648 (Basan impression)

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