Study of three women heads, one asslep

Rembrandt’s graphic studies are fascinating by their spontaneity, a sketch-like execution of the fig-ures rendered haphazardly on different parts of the plate. He created eight in total. The three heads of women on the second sheet may all represent Rembrandt’s wife Saskia, but this is not important, as the intention was not create portraits but figure studies. Sketches in etching are by no means common, but drawn sketches were highly prized among art connoisseurs in the 17th century Nether-lands, and it seems Rembrandt discovered a similar potential in the present medium. He printed this study in a relatively large run and must have counted on it selling well.