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 a masterful etching created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1631. This print exemplifies the artist's burgeoning reputation and technical prowess during the Dutch Golden Age. Rijn was a prolific printmaker, and the medium of etching allowed him to achieve a remarkable subtlety in shading and textural variation, essential for conveying the detailed nature of the subject’s costume and aged skin. As a key example of Dutch artistry from the period of 1601 to 1650, this work demonstrates the era's growing focus on intimate psychological studies rather than formal portrait commissions.

The piece focuses intently on the character study of an unidentified elderly woman, likely intended as a tronie, or a study of expression and costume. She is depicted wearing a substantial, furred cloak and a weighty, multi-layered headdress that significantly frames her face. Rijn meticulously renders the varied textures, contrasting the softness of the fur and the patterned fabric of the headdress with the deep lines etched into the woman's visage. The work relies on dense cross-hatching and expertly controlled line work to create dramatic shadows and highlights, emphasizing her solemn expression and lending the subject a palpable sense of gravity and history.

This impressive work confirms Rijn’s status as a preeminent printmaker of the 17th century. His ability to evoke deep emotion and rich texture through meticulous line work set a high standard for graphic arts in the region. The Bust of an Old Woman in a Furred Cloak and Heavy Headdress is held within the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, ensuring its preservation and accessibility. Today, the enduring popularity of Rijn’s graphic output means that many high-quality prints and related materials from this productive period are widely available through public domain art initiatives, supporting broad scholarly research into his career.