Woman with the Arrow

Woman with the Arrow by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a masterful print executed in 1661, demonstrating the artist’s mature and complex handling of graphic media during the Dutch Golden Age. This impression utilizes an intricate combination of etching, drypoint, and burin on ivory laid paper. The artist expertly leveraged these techniques; the etching provides the fundamental compositional line work, while the drypoint adds rich, velvety burr to create deep, textural shadows in the drapery and background.

Produced late in Rembrandt’s career, the work reflects a period defined by psychological depth and technical experimentation. The subject is traditionally identified as a contemplative woman, possibly a mythological figure such as Diana, holding the titular feathered arrow as her attribute. The intensive crosshatching and skillful management of light isolate the figure against a mysterious, dark backdrop, focusing the viewer on her introspective expression. This sophisticated use of shadow and illumination, characteristic of Rembrandt’s late style, conveys a profound sense of melancholy and immediacy.

The high demand for Rembrandt’s graphic output allowed his artistic vision to circulate widely. His exceptional facility with various print media solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative figures to emerge from the Netherlands. The enduring popularity and technical brilliance demonstrated in his prints ensured they were highly prized by collectors across Europe. This superb impression currently resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Much of the extensive graphic work created by Rembrandt, including many prints and different states of Woman with the Arrow, is widely available today through public domain digital collections, ensuring continued study of this Baroque master.