The Little Jewish Bride (Saskia as Saint Catherine)

The Little Jewish Bride (Saskia as Saint Catherine) by Rembrandt van Rijn is a masterful example of the artist’s prolific printmaking career, executed in 1638. This intimate image was created using the technique of etching, augmented by delicate touches of drypoint, allowing Rijn to achieve complex tonal variation and deep shadows characteristic of the era. This highly expressive piece falls squarely within the Dutch Golden Age, specifically the period of 1601 to 1650, when graphic arts and the detailed rendering of psychological states flourished in the Netherlands.

The subject of the print is widely believed to be Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, depicted in the guise of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, evidenced by the subtle inclusion of the martyr's broken wheel near her elbow. The alternative title, referencing a "Little Jewish Bride," speaks to the luxurious costume she wears, reflecting the contemporary interest in historical or ethnic dress often seen in Rijn's genre scenes and portraits. The woman is shown in profile or three-quarter view, richly dressed, highlighting the textures possible even within the monochromatic medium of etching. The artist uses deep shadow to isolate the figure, drawing the viewer’s focus immediately to her face and the detailed ornamentation of her outfit.

Rijn created numerous high-quality prints during his career, and the technical skill demonstrated here solidifies his reputation as the preeminent draftsman of the Dutch School. The subtle interplay between the deeply incised etched lines and the fuzzy burr of the drypoint creates a strong atmospheric effect, focusing light dramatically upon the figure. This important work of art is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and as a key masterwork from the 1601 to 1650 period, high-resolution reproductions of these influential prints are often available in the public domain for study and appreciation.