The Bathers

The Bathers is a masterful print, originally conceived in 1651 by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) and later printed by the American artist Donald Shaw MacLaughlan (1876-1938). This work is executed as an etching in black on cream wove paper, showcasing the technical brilliance of both the original design and the subsequent reproduction. The print captures a dynamic genre scene, depicting figures engaged in the intimate, everyday activity of bathing, a subject Rijn returned to multiple times throughout his career.

Rijn created numerous figure studies and intimate scenes using printmaking techniques, finding etching particularly conducive to capturing subtle variations in light and shadow, as evidenced in this composition. Although the original plate was created during the Dutch Golden Age, this specific example represents a later printing.

MacLaughlan, an accomplished American printmaker active in the early 20th century, produced this edition, contributing to the work's classification as United States culture. His dedication to reproducing and disseminating high-quality prints ensured the accessibility of Rijn’s design, furthering the legacy of the Dutch master among institutions. This piece, which demonstrates the enduring appreciation for centuries-old public domain artwork, is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a valuable example of historical print reproduction.