Sick Woman with a Large White Headdress (Saskia)

Sick Woman with a Large White Headdress (Saskia) is a poignant print created by Rembrandt van Rijn between 1641 and 1642. Executed primarily as an etching, the work also utilizes drypoint, a technique that adds rich, velvety burr to the lines, lending textural depth to the subject’s costume and expression. This classification as a Print highlights Rijn's prolific output in graphic arts, a significant component of his career during the Dutch Golden Age.

The work offers an intimate, tender depiction, believed to be the artist's wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, who was frequently sketched and etched by Rijn before her untimely death in 1642. The title references her physical state and the large white head covering she wears, characteristic of garments worn by women recovering from illness or in mourning during the 17th century. Created during the period of 1601 to 1650, this piece exemplifies the psychological depth Rijn brought to even his smallest graphic works. The intense emotional scrutiny visible in the subject’s face makes this a deeply personal contribution to Dutch art history, moving beyond mere portraiture.

As a master of intaglio processes, Rijn’s skill in balancing delicate cross-hatching with heavily inked drypoint lines ensures the lasting appeal of this image. Although cataloged as a Print, the intimate scale and powerful mood make it comparable to his greatest oil works. The original impression of Sick Woman with a Large White Headdress (Saskia) is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of the age and importance of the master, high-resolution reproductions of Rijn's works, including many of his iconic prints, are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader study of this Dutch artist’s legacy.