REMBRANDT HARMENSZ. VAN RIJN (1606-1669)

The identity of the sitter of this portrait is not ultimately confirmed, but there is little doubt that it is a portrait of Rembrandt’s mother. In 1679, the Amsterdam print dealer Clement de Jonghe described another portrait plate, clearly showing the same woman, as the artist’s mother. New Hollstein records no fewer than 16 different watermarks on impressions of this print, evidence of how popular it must have been and how frequently Rembrandt reprinted it. Although not a rare print, early impressions such as the present one are difficult to find, as the dense work of her stole and veil and the fine lines which so beautifully describe her wrinkled face and hands wore quickly.