Who painted Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress?

Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress was painted by Rembrandt in 1631.

Where can I see Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress?

Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress?

Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress

Rembrandt , 1631

Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Rembrandt van Rijn's 1631 etching, Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress, presents a detailed, introspective portrait of an elderly woman, focusing on her head and shoulders.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, an elderly woman, is depicted in a state of quiet contemplation, her eyes cast downward, suggesting a moment of introspection or solemnity. Her attire, a furred cloak and heavy headdress, implies a certain level of dignity or status.

Technique & Style

Executed in bold lines and nuanced shading, the etching emphasizes texture and depth, characteristic of Rembrandt's Baroque style. The intricate rendering of the woman's features, from cloak folds to stray hairs, showcases the artist's mastery of etching.

History & Provenance

Created in 1631, the etching's provenance is not detailed here, but its creation date situates it within Rembrandt's early Amsterdam period, a time of prolific output and experimentation with etching techniques.

Context

This work reflects the Baroque era's emphasis on dramatic lighting and emotional depth, though its subdued tone sets it apart. The focus on an ordinary, aged subject also aligns with the Dutch Golden Age's interest in everyday life.

Artist & collection

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.