This rare etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, titled Old Beggar Woman with a Gourd, is a poignant study of age, poverty, and human resilience. Created in 1630, it stands among Rembrandt’s early yet compelling character studies, portraying a frail elderly woman, hunched and weary, carrying a gourd slung over her shoulder—a timeless symbol of travel and hardship.
Executed with extraordinary sensitivity, the print reflects Rembrandt’s deep empathy for the marginalized and his unparalleled ability to evoke emotion through masterful line work and subtle shading. This impression belongs to the second state (of two) in the New Hollstein catalogue, issued in the late 18th century as part of the P.F. Basan receuil. By this time, the plate had been trimmed and additional crosshatching introduced to the shadows.
A powerful example of Rembrandt’s humanist vision and technical brilliance in printmaking, this etching is highly sought after for its emotional depth and historical significance.
