Seated Woman with an Open Book on her Lap c. 1639

"Seated Woman with an Open Book on her Lap" is a drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating back to around 1639. The drawing portrays a woman seated in a three-quarter pose, her figure dominates the composition, with the use of shading creating a sense of volume. The woman is shown with a book on her lap, with the light source directed towards her, illuminating her features and the open book, which suggests she is reading. This intimate portrait exemplifies Rembrandt’s skillful use of pen and ink, capturing the essence of his subject with a distinct sense of realism.