Saskia with Pearls in her Hair, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1634

Saskia with Pearls in her Hair, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1634

etching, h 86mm × w 67mm More details

This small etching of a young woman from 1634 was only recently identified as a portrait of Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia. Pearls are woven in her hair and hang from her neck and ears. The gown and the lace kerchief around her shoulders are fashionable and contemporary. Rembrandt and Saskia wed in 1634; hence, this may well be a portrait of her in bridal attire.