Three Heads of Women, One Asleep 1637

"Three Heads of Women, One Asleep" is a 1637 etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The work showcases Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow, evident in the contrasts between the shadowed faces and the highlights on the folds of their clothing. The composition is characterized by the simple arrangement of three female heads, one of whom appears to be asleep, adding a sense of quiet contemplation. This etching, notable for its intimate scale, demonstrates Rembrandt’s early exploration of human emotion and expression through the medium of printmaking.