Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) (Dutch, Leiden 1606–1669 Amsterdam), The Artist Drawing from the Model, ca. 1639. Etching and drypoint on paper, 9 1/8 × 7 1/4 in. (23.2 × 18.4 cm). The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, RvR 270 © The Pierpont Morgan Library, New York

Numerous issues are raised by this fascinating but incomplete image that points so directly to the theme of making art. A surviving drawing suggests that Rembrandt had ideas about completing this print, but he never took it past this second state. Nonetheless, we can conclude that he was beguiled by its strong contrasts of light and dark, finished and unfinished. The etching circulated during Rembrandt’s lifetime, perhaps a case of the accidentally unfinished proving a great success. 

This work is exhibited in the "Unfinished: Thoughts Left Invisible" exhibition, on view through September 4th, 2016. #MetBreuer