Abstract
Deformity of the left breast and axilla observed in Rembrandt's famous painting "Bathsheba at her toilet" (1654, Louvre Paris) has been discussed by several researchers. Proposed diagnoses were breast cancer and abscess due to tuberculosis. The present article reviews previous articles written concerning the left breast abnormalities of Bathsheba and carefully examines other works of Rembrandt modeled by Hendrickje and painted around 1654. Previous diagnosis of breast cancer and tuberculous mastitis is less probable. Because Hendrickje survived for more then 9 years after the painting and in other works modeled by Hendrickje shows no signs of cachexia or permanent changes in the left breast. The most likely diagnosis of the left breast deformity of Bathsheba is a sequela of lactation mastitis abscess following miscarriage or premature childbirth without breast feeding.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
