The Baby Walker

Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1646

Behind the two sketches of the same man, one seen standing, the other seated, Rembrandt added a woman teaching a toddler to walk using a baby walker. Learning how to walk is a frequently recurring 17th-century metaphor for practice: a subtle reminder from Rembrandt to his pupils that they can master their craft only through constant practice.

Artwork typeprint
Object numberRP-P-OB-427
Dimensionsheight 195 mm x width 128 mm
Physical characteristicsets met plaattoon

Discover more

more by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Night Watch Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq

Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642

The Night Watch Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq

Self-portrait

Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1628

Self-portrait

Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’

Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1665 - c. 1669

Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’

Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul

Rembrandt van Rijn, 1661

Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul

The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’

Rembrandt van Rijn, 1662

The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’

Portrait of a Woman, Probably Maria Trip (1619-1683)

Rembrandt van Rijn, 1639

Portrait of a Woman, Probably Maria Trip (1619-1683)