Harmensz. van Rijn REMBRANDT

A "Negress" Lying Down

Made by (Dutch, Leiden 1606-1669 Amsterdam)
Etching, drypoint, engraving
Overall: 3 3/16 x 6 1/4in. (8.1 x 15.8cm)
Sheet: 3 3/4 x 6 3/4 in. (9.5 x 17.1 cm)
Mount: 13 x 10 1/2 in. (33 x 26.7 cm)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (29.107.28)
Signature, Marks, and InscriptionsMarks: F. Seymour Haden (L.1227)

The so-called "Negress" Lying Down is one of Rembrandt's most beautiful and understated works. The dark and rich tones that engulf the figure inspired the title given to the print in the eighteenth century. Rembrandt made this print late in his career, by which time he had begun to create remarkable painterly effects never before seen in printmaking, with combinations of velvety drypoint lines, films of ink left on the printing plate, and variously colored papers. This impression was printed on goldentoned Japanese paper, which brings an underlying warmth to the dark image.

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