Woman Bathing her Feet at a Brook

The intimate and reflective print Woman Bathing her Feet at a Brook was created by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn in 1658. This powerful work is executed using the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, and the impression held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art represents the rare first of its two known states. Produced late in Rembrandt’s career, this piece exemplifies his profound ability to capture psychological depth and control of light through the nuanced texture of the printmaking medium, characteristic of his mature style.

The subject depicts a lone female figure engaged in private contemplation, sitting by a brookside as she performs the simple, humble act of bathing her feet. Unlike the classical, idealized female nudes prevalent in much of contemporary European art, Rembrandt frequently approached the depiction of the figure with naturalistic honesty, emphasizing quiet humanity and modesty. The placement of the subject in an indistinct, shadowed setting allows the viewer to focus entirely on her self-absorbed moment of introspection and care.

The soft, atmospheric quality of the Woman Bathing her Feet at a Brook highlights Rembrandt’s innovative use of drypoint to create rich, velvety blacks and subtle gradations of shadow, making the rustic background dissolve into darkness around the softly illuminated woman. As a historically significant work from the Dutch Golden Age, this masterful print is a cherished highlight of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive collection of Old Master works. Due to its age and significance, high-quality images of this remarkable piece often circulate in the public domain, allowing broader access to Rembrandt's final years of printmaking innovation.