Self-Portrait with Saskia

The intimate double portrait, Self-Portrait with Saskia, was created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669 in 1636. This important work is classified as a print, executed specifically as an etching on ivory laid paper, showcasing the artist's masterful command over line work and composition.

This piece depicts the 1606-1669 seated alongside his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, providing a rare glimpse into their personal life during the early years of their marriage. The work functions less as a formal portrait and more as an informal study, capturing the figures in what appears to be contemporary dress. The etching medium allowed the artist to achieve rapid, expressive lines that contrast sharply with the more rigid techniques of engraving popular at the time. This technique was vital to his career in the Netherlands, establishing him as one of the most prominent printmakers of the Dutch Golden Age.

Rembrandt positioned himself prominently in the foreground, turning toward the viewer, suggesting he is capturing the scene in the act of creation. Saskia is typically interpreted as a secondary figure, subtly present but not demanding the central focus. This psychological depth and informal structure distinguish it from traditional commissioned portraits of the era. The detailed craftsmanship and innovative use of shadow in the etching process confirm the 1606-1669 status as a master of the print medium. This iconic self-study, a prime example of seventeenth-century Dutch culture, is a significant holding within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.