Portrait of Saskia
Rembrandt, 1633
Kupferstichkabinett, Berlin
This drawing is Rembrandt’s most tender portrayal of his future wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Drawn skilfully in silverpoint, it was made on 8 June 1633, only three days after the couple’s betrothal. Rembrandt added a note explaining the precise circumstances of the creation of this drawing. Almost reminiscent of a diary entry, the young artist undoubtedly wanted to commemorate the joyous occasion. From beneath her wide-brimmed straw hat and holding a rose, Saskia is gazing lovingly at her future husband. The couple would marry a year later. Rembrandt completed numerous portraits of Saskia throughout their marriage – in drawing, print and painting. This drawing, however, is unique because of the intimate glimpse it provides into the artist’s life as a rare example of a lover’s cherished sketch.
— An Van Camp, Christopher Brown Curator of Northern European Art, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Object details
Portrait of Saskia 1633
Silverpoint on parchment | 185 x 106 mm | Inv. no. KdZ 1152
Kupferstichkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Berlin
Rembrandt van Rijn
Leiden 1606 – 1669 Amsterdam
Inscription: dit is naer mijn huysvrou geconterfeyt / do sy 21 jaer oud was den derden / dach als wij getroudt waeren / den 8 junijus / 1633