Artwork
Nude Seated on a Bench with a Pillow (Woman Bathing Her Feet at a Brook)
Nude Seated on a Bench with a Pillow (Woman Bathing Her Feet at a Brook) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1658, this print by Rembrandt van Rijn depicts a nude woman seated on a bench with a pillow, bending forward to wash her feet in a shallow pool. Executed on vellum through a combination of etching and engraving, the work measures the intimate domestic moment with a subdued palette that emphasizes the figure’s skin against the dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a solitary female figure engaged in the simple act of foot‑washing, a motif that suggests themes of modesty, self‑care, and the quiet rituals of daily life. Her turned back and relaxed yet attentive posture convey a private, contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the personal space of the sitter.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt employed both etching and engraving on vellum, allowing for fine line work and deeper, textured strokes. The surface displays rough, scratched lines that model the curvature of the body and the rippling water, while subtle shading creates a soft illumination of the skin and the water’s surface, characteristic of his mature printmaking.
History & Provenance
The print forms part of Rembrandt’s late‑period output, when he frequently explored nude studies in print form. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been catalogued among his 1650s prints and is held in several major collections, reflecting its inclusion in the broader corpus of his graphic oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
