Artwork

Bust of an African Woman

Bust of an African Woman, by Rembrandt, ink, 1630
Bust of an African Woman, by Rembrandt, ink, 1630

Bust of an African Woman is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rembrandt van Rijn's Bust of an African Woman is an etching created around 1630.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a woman's profile, with her head turned away, showing loose and expressive lines in her hair and a simple background.

Technique & Style

The work showcases the etching technique, where ink in metal grooves creates a rough texture, giving the impression of a quickly executed sketch.

Context

Etching allowed artists to achieve varied line qualities and textures, as seen in the contrast between the subject's detailed hair and the minimal background.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rembrandt

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.