The Artist's Mother Seated, in an Oriental Headdress
1631
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Artist's Mother Seated, in an Oriental Headdress is a 1631 ink by Rembrandt, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a woman turned slightly away, her head wrapped in a loose, flowing cloth. Her hands rest in her lap, fingers laced together. The lines are scratchy and uneven, like quick strokes with a sharp tool. Notice how the artist used tiny marks to show light and shadow—no smooth shading here. That’s how they made the fabric look textured and the face feel real. If you like this style, look up etching next.
