Saskia with Pearls in Her Hair, 1634

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Saskia Uylenburgh was the daughter of a wealthy burgomaster from Leeuwarden. When orphaned at age twelve, she went to live with relatives in Amsterdam. These included the art dealer Hendrick Uylenburgh, who likely brokered many of Rembrandt's earliest portrait commissions. Saskia and Rembrandt met through Hendrick and married in 1634, a union that not only enhanced Rembrandt's social standing but also inspired some of his most tender etchings. Saskia with Pearls in Her Hair was made during the first year of their marriage. Surprisingly, the double portrait is the only one Rembrandt made with Saskia. Outfitted in a sixteenth-century hat, he gives the impression that we have just interrupted him while he was sketching her.

Details
Title
Saskia with Pearls in Her Hair
Artist Life
1606 - 1669
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.1,343
Provenance
Initial C in brown ink verso, unidentified
Catalogue Raisonne
Hind 112 os; B. 347; Mz.116 i/ii; Holl. 347; B-B. 34-C
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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