Saskia(?) Lying in Bed

Saskia(?) Lying in Bed by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to 1638, is a highly intimate and spontaneous drawing executed in pen and ink, brush with brown wash on laid paper. This masterful example of Dutch draftsmanship from the period 1601 to 1650 showcases the artist’s unique ability to capture domestic scenes with extraordinary immediacy and psychological depth. The subject is widely identified as the artist's wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, who often served as his model for both private studies and formal compositions during their marriage.

As a quick sketch, the work provides a rare glimpse into the quiet interior life of the artist’s home. Rijn employed quick, assured lines combined with subtle application of brown wash, a technique that effectively models the figure and suggests the texture of the bed linens and surroundings. The figure appears completely at ease, perhaps resting, illustrating Rijn's dedication to capturing natural, unposed moments rather than idealized beauty. This informal study stands in contrast to the finished, highly detailed etched prints for which the artist is also famous, yet both genres reveal his relentless investigation into the complexities of human experience.

Classified specifically as a drawing, this piece reflects the high value placed on preliminary observation and technical skill during the Dutch Golden Age. Works like Saskia(?) Lying in Bed provide critical insight into the private practice of the master before he committed to copper plates or large canvases. This drawing is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art and remains an important artifact for understanding Rijn’s evolving style during the late 1630s. Due to its age and cultural significance within the history of art, this work is widely accessible today in the public domain, allowing for scholarly examination and high-quality prints.