Artwork
Bust of an African Woman
Bust of an African Woman is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Rembrandt van Rijn's Bust of an African Woman is an etching created around 1630.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a woman's profile, with her head turned away, showing loose and expressive lines in her hair and a simple background.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the etching technique, where ink in metal grooves creates a rough texture, giving the impression of a quickly executed sketch.
Context
Etching allowed artists to achieve varied line qualities and textures, as seen in the contrast between the subject's detailed hair and the minimal background.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
Portrait of a Boy in Profile
Sick Woman with a Large White Headdress (Saskia)
Beggar Seated on a Bank
The Little Jewish Bride (Saskia as Saint Catherine)
Sick Woman with a Large White Headdress (Saskia)
Three Heads of Women, One Lightly Etched
Young Woman and a Boy Facing Right
Study of a Moor, Facing to the Left
Small Oriental Head
Head of a Child
Curly-Headed Man with a Wry Mouth
Bust of a Young Woman