Woman at the Bath, with a Hat beside her

1658

According to the classicizing rules of art an artist had to pick what was most beautiful in nature and represent it following models from classical or famous masters, such as Raphael. Rembrandt’s idea of what was ‘picturesque’ however was different. This somewhat older woman at the bath in no way adheres to the classical ideal of beauty. Rembrandt portrayed her naturalistically: huddled, with her neck stretched forward, and a man’s hat beside her.