Portrait Of A Woman 1635 Or Earlier. Oil On Wood

Description

Portrait of a Woman, credited to Rembrandt van Rijn and his studio, presents a sitter within an oval, her face turned slightly to the left above a broad, ornate white lace collar. The dark dress and warm brown background give the pale face and collar a strong presence, while jewelry adds small points of detail. The close framing keeps the sitter’s appearance concentrated without requiring her identity to be known.

The Cleveland Museum of Art currently credits the painting to Rembrandt van Rijn and his studio, dating it to 1635 or earlier and identifying its medium as oil on wood. Smooth handling of the skin contrasts with more textured passages in the collar and adornments. The portrait’s appeal lies in those differences of surface as well as in the sitter’s composed bearing. It presents an individual through carefully related materials, light and clothing within a compact field.

Learn about the printing process in our guide to giclée prints. Explore the Rembrandt print collection, or view A Young Man with a Chain (Rembrandt and studio).