Old Woman Sleeping (copy)

Old Woman Sleeping (copy) is an intimate etching attributed to Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), representing a focused study of quiet repose common in his vast printmaking oeuvre. Created within a production date range of 1620-1986, this particular impression is classified as a print, likely a later reproduction or restrike based on an original 17th-century drawing or early etching plate. The demanding printmaking technique of etching allows for fine, expressive lines, utilized here to capture the texture of the subject’s aged face and the creases of her clothing.

Rembrandt frequently utilized common, unidealized subjects, reflecting the growing appreciation for naturalism during the Dutch Golden Age. This image, focusing on one of the many sleeping women depicted in the artist's work, emphasizes intimacy and observational detail. Unlike large-scale historical commissions, this piece centers solely on the solitary figure, allowing the viewer to observe the vulnerability inherent in a state of slumber. The careful handling of shadow, which defines the contours of the seated figure, recalls the dramatic light effects for which Rembrandt is famous.

This impression of the Old Woman Sleeping (copy) is held in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a widely studied piece, this etching demonstrates Rembrandt's continuous interest in genre subjects and the human condition. Many prints derived from Rembrandt’s original 17th-century designs, like this example, are today frequently available through public domain archives, ensuring that the legacy of this master printmaker remains globally accessible to researchers and enthusiasts.