Artwork preview

Reclining Female Nude

Rembrandt van Rijn

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a nude figure lying down, seen from the back with most of the body visible. The figure is positioned horizontally on a surface that resembles a bed or couch, with the head turned away. The hair is either closely cropped or not clearly defined due to shading. The artist used dense cross-hatching and shading to depict depth and contour, highlighting the figure's curves and musculature. The image does not show any facial features. The background is filled with dark cross-hatching, creating a dimly lit space with lighter areas suggesting fabric beneath the figure. There are no visible pieces of jewelry or objects. The overall composition is moody and textured, emphasizing light and shadow.

Artwork Details

Date
1658
Medium
etching, drypoint and burin on Japan paper
Dimensions
5056 × 2658 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette