Art Institute of Chicago

Reclining Female Nude

Rembrandt van Rijn

Date

1658

Medium

Etching, drypoint, and engraving, on ivory Japanese paper

Culture

Holland

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Scholars have widely debated Rembrandt’s choice of either a light- or dark-skinned model for this magnificently ambiguous etching. In the 18th century, its given title changed to variations of Reclining Negress. Rembrandt did portray an African model around 1630, but it is unclear if this much-later print represented another. The stark contrast between the cavernous darkness and the bright bed linens suggests the artist’s keen interest in depicting the play of light on skin. Rembrandt’s characteristic use of a Japanese paper support further enhances the heat of the very real and very warm, naked body.

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