Who painted The Skater?

The Skater was painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1639.

Where can I see The Skater?

The Skater is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Skater?

The Skater is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Skater?

Museum-quality prints of The Skater are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Skater

Rembrandt van Rijn , 1639

The Skater is an ink print by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around 1639, this print combines etching with drypoint to portray a lone figure gliding on ice.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1639, this print combines etching with drypoint to portray a lone figure gliding on ice. The composition is anchored by a stark, light‑toned background that isolates the skater, emphasizing his movement and attire typical of mid‑17th‑century Dutch dress.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of everyday recreation: a man, hat tipped back, coat and breeches, balances on a single blade while gripping a staff in his right hand. The extended left leg and bent right knee convey forward momentum, suggesting both the physical skill and the leisure pursuits of the period.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt’s hand is evident in the fine, incised lines of the drypoint that define the skater’s outline, while broader etched areas render the smooth expanse of ice. The contrast between sharply rendered figure and the softened background demonstrates his mastery of tonal variation within printmaking.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to Rembrandt’s early print oeuvre, produced during a prolific phase when he explored genre scenes of Dutch life. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been catalogued among his known prints and appears in major collections of 17th‑century graphic art.