Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

From his earliest years Rembrandt used etched studies of the human face to provide him with the necessary material needed for his paintings. Second only to his own face as a source was that of his mother, who appears to have sat patiently for several studies. Rembrandt explores her physiognomy, minutely and accurately, resulting in miniature jewel-like images of great profundity.