The Artist's Mother with Her Hand on Her Chest 1631

Rembrandt van Rijn's etching "The Artist's Mother with Her Hand on Her Chest" from 1631 portrays his mother, likely in her final years, with a powerful sense of realism. The etching's stark simplicity, focusing solely on the subject's face and hand, emphasizes her age and weariness. The meticulous hatching technique used by Rembrandt creates a sense of texture and depth, giving the portrait a sense of both intimacy and distance. This poignant portrayal of a mother's aging is a testament to Rembrandt's skill in capturing the human condition with raw honesty.