Woman Bathing her Feet at a Brook

The print Woman Bathing her Feet at a Brook was created in 1658 by the master Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). This intimate scene is rendered through the demanding technique of etching, executed on buff paper. Rembrandt was perhaps the most innovative printmaker of the 17th century Netherlands, constantly experimenting with the plate and the acid to achieve a wide range of tonal effects. The subtle variations in line weight demonstrate his mature command of the medium, utilizing dense crosshatching to create deep shadows and fine lines for the luminous highlights.

The work depicts a solitary female figure seated at the edge of a small body of water, perhaps a secluded brook, in the act of washing or drying her feet. Rembrandt renders the figure with characteristic honesty and lack of idealization, focusing instead on the psychological depth achieved through the stark contrast of light and shadow. The background is minimally described, ensuring the viewer's attention remains fixed on the action of the woman and the immediate play of illumination on her drapery and form. This focus on quiet, domestic, or personal moments distinguished Rembrandt’s approach to human studies within the tradition of Dutch genre scenes.

Created during the peak of the Dutch Golden Age, this type of fine-art print played a crucial role in disseminating images throughout the Netherlands and across Europe. Many of Rembrandt's most acclaimed works are his graphic productions, including this evocative piece. Today, these historical prints are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing wider study of the master’s technique. This impression of Woman Bathing her Feet at a Brook is part of the extensive collection of 17th-century European art housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.