The Pancake Woman (B., Holl. 124; H. 141)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Pancake Woman (B., Holl. 124; H. 141)
etching, 1635, a very good impression of the second state (of three), with thread margins, the tip of the lower right corner made up, a small thin spot on the reverse at the lower left, otherwise in very good condition
P. 109 x 79 mm., S. 111 x 81 mm.

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Lot Essay

In a traditional street scene, Rembrandt presents us with keenly observed details such as the child on the right who gazes thoughtfully into the pan, the plump toddler in the foreground who tries to keep his pancake away from a dog, and the lad behind the pancake woman who shows some coins in the hope of securing preferential treatment. This must have been a common and welcoming sight in the streets of Amsterdam, particularly around Carnival time.

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