The Artist's Mother with Her Hand on Her Chest

"The Artist's Mother with Her Hand on Her Chest," created by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) in 1631, stands as a profound early example of the Dutch master’s intimate engagement with portraiture. This particular work is an etching, classified specifically as New Holl's fourth state of six, which speaks to the artist's meticulous and experimental process as he developed the plate.

The subject is believed to be Neeltgen Willemsdr. van Zuytbrouck, Rembrandt’s mother, whom the artist frequently used as a model for exploring character, expression, and texture. These intimate studies of women allowed Rembrandt to hone his skills in capturing psychological depth, particularly through the use of dramatic light and shadow. In this print, the older woman is depicted wearing sober clothing, the deeply etched lines conveying the aged texture of her face and the folds of her garment. The placement of her hand resting deliberately on her chest provides a focal point of quiet resignation and dignity.

This type of focused study belongs to a significant period in the artist's career where he moved beyond simple likenesses to create complex visual narratives. As a critical piece among Rembrandt's extensive body of graphic works, The Artist's Mother with Her Hand on Her Chest showcases his unparalleled mastery of the print medium. The impression is part of the distinguished collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, prints of this influential Dutch Golden Age work are often made available through public domain collections, ensuring broad access to Rembrandt's legacy in portraiture.