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Lot Essay
This print is one of a small number of study sheets which feature Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia (B. 365, 19, 367; New Holl. 157-58, 162). In this example, three heads are depicted; the two women seen in profile can be identified as Saskia, the third figure, sleeping with her head resting in her hand, appears to be a different model. Given the intimate spontaneity of the image and the likeness of the women, it is likely that Rembrandt worked directly onto the plate while Saskia and the other model were unaware of being observed.
Study sheets such as the present one were something of a specialty of Rembrandts, who created a fair number of them (see also lot 6). Perhaps they appealed particularly to collectors of drawings, who took pleasure in seeing 'unfinished' works. Although the present print is one of the more composed examples, while others look decidedly jumbled, the appeal of these study sheet prints is the illusion of looking over the shoulder of the artist as he sketches what is before his eyes.
Study sheets such as the present one were something of a specialty of Rembrandts, who created a fair number of them (see also lot 6). Perhaps they appealed particularly to collectors of drawings, who took pleasure in seeing 'unfinished' works. Although the present print is one of the more composed examples, while others look decidedly jumbled, the appeal of these study sheet prints is the illusion of looking over the shoulder of the artist as he sketches what is before his eyes.