Virgin and Child with the Cat: and Joseph at the Window

The Virgin and Child with the Cat: and Joseph at the Window is a masterful etching created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1654. This print, classified as the second of four known states, showcases the artist’s sophisticated printmaking technique, demonstrating his exceptional control over line work and atmospheric effects. Rather than depicting a monumental religious spectacle, Rembrandt portrays the Holy Family in a humble, internalized domestic setting, characteristic of his deeply humanistic approach to biblical subjects during the Dutch Golden Age.

The central focus is the intimate depiction of the Madonna and Child, rendered with profound tenderness. The Virgin sits casually, supporting the Christ Child, whose attention is drawn to a small cat perched low near the viewer’s perspective. The inclusion of the cat and other everyday details grounds the theological narrative in contemporary genre observation. This juxtaposition of the sacred and the commonplace creates an immediate accessibility for the viewer.

In the dimly lit background, the figure of Saint Joseph is subtly visible, working or resting near a window, further emphasizing the private nature of the scene. The subtle distribution of light, characteristic of Rembrandt's style, highlights the central figures while surrounding them in a rich chiaroscuro atmosphere. The delicate lines and precise detail evident in this early state cement Rembrandt’s reputation as the foremost printmaker of the 17th century. This exceptional example of Northern Baroque graphic art is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a key moment in the artist's exploration of intimate devotional imagery.