Three Heads of Women, One Asleep
1637
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Three Heads of Women, One Asleep is a 1637 ink by Rembrandt, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows three women’s heads in quick, sketchy lines. One wears a hat and looks awake, another has a loose head covering, and the third has her face turned down, almost like she’s asleep. The lines are rough and uneven, giving it a fast, lived-in feel. The artist signed it in the top corner with the year 1637. Notice how the faces aren’t perfectly smooth—they’re full of tiny marks and shading, which makes them feel real and alive. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Rembrandt made prints like this.
