Studies for the Sick Woman in the ‘Hundred Guilder Print’ c. 1648

These Studies for the Sick Woman in the ‘Hundred Guilder Print’ were made by Rembrandt van Rijn, likely in the mid-17th century, using pen and brown ink on paper. Now, we typically think of paper as a readily available material, but in Rembrandt’s time, it was precious, and the ink carefully prepared. Notice how the materiality of the paper support influences the appearance of this work; its size constrains the composition to a relatively intimate scale. Rembrandt’s quick, gestural marks convey a sense of spontaneity, almost as if he’s capturing a fleeting moment. This connects with the social significance of the drawing. The swift strokes and lines allowed Rembrandt to efficiently capture the expressions and postures of his subjects, focusing on the human condition with incredible sensitivity. The act of drawing itself becomes a vital tool for observing and understanding the world around him, and for distilling the emotions that he would later develop in his paintings and prints. In this way, Rembrandt elevates the status of the preparatory drawing from a mere study to a work of art in its own right, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.