Studie van de benen van een vrouw

Studie van de benen van een vrouw by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating from 1628-1629, is a fine example of the artist's preparatory draftsmanship during his early period. Executed using chalk on paper, this drawing provides an intimate glimpse into Rijn's meticulous approach to mastering human anatomy and form. The stark, focused medium emphasizes contour and suggestion, techniques fundamental to the systematic study of the figure before translation into paint or print. This crucial preparatory piece is held within the renowned collection of the Rijksmuseum, underscoring its historical importance within the legacy of the Dutch Golden Age.

Created while Rijn was based in Leiden, the subject matter is academic, concentrating intensely on the structure and musculature of a woman’s lower limbs. Rijn frequently produced focused studies of live models, often figures from his domestic circle, utilizing these works to hone his understanding of movement and mass—knowledge he would later apply to his complex multi-figure narratives and influential etchings. This commitment to anatomical accuracy was highly valued among masters working in the Netherlands during this period, reflecting the broader naturalism that defined the era.

The sensitive application of chalk allows Rijn to quickly define volume and suggest the fall of light across the curved surfaces, techniques that later informed the powerful contrasts seen in his mature oil paintings. This work illustrates the essential link between drawing and painting in Rijn’s practice. While the original Studie van de benen van een vrouw remains a delicate museum object, its status as a foundational study means that high-resolution digitized versions are often available through public domain initiatives, providing researchers globally access to detailed prints and analysis of the master’s technique.