Reclining Female Nude

The print Reclining Female Nude by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, created in 1658, is a masterful example of the artist's exploration of the human form during his late career. Classified as a print from the Netherlands, this work showcases a complex combination of etching, drypoint, and engraving techniques. The choice of ivory Japanese paper as the support medium lends a unique, subtle warmth to the image, enhancing the deep blacks and feathered lines achieved through the combined intaglio processes.

The subject matter, the reclining nude, was common in the 17th century, yet Rembrandt approached the motif with distinctive naturalism, prioritizing authentic representation over classical idealization. Unlike his contemporaries, the artist rendered the female figure not with pristine perfection but with a focus on tangible form and psychological presence, defining the volume of the body through the interplay of light and shadow. The piece reflects the maturity of Rembrandt’s style, where graphic technique serves to enhance the emotional intimacy of the composition.

This exceptional impression is currently housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Widely regarded as one of history's greatest draftsmen, Rembrandt (1606-1669) utilized the medium of prints to explore human emotion and domestic settings with unprecedented directness. Due to the artwork’s age and historical significance, many high-quality impressions of the artist’s prolific graphic output are now accessible through the public domain, ensuring the enduring legacy of this Dutch Master is globally available for study and appreciation.