Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

'The little studies of heads so popular at the begining of his career had almost disappeared from his oeuvre, but, nevertheless, probably in 1642, he made a very small etching, no more than five centimeters square, of a sick woman lying in bed, which is generally identified as Saskia during her last illness. If this is correct it is a most moving document; instead of the plump cheeks and ample chin, his wife appears thin and haggard, with an infinitely weary expression. It is one of the most intensely felt studies Rembrandt ever made. Saskia died in 1642, and portraits and studies of heads completely disappear from his etched work for several years.' (Christopher White, Rembrandt as an Etcher, London and Newhaven, 1969/99, p. 141)