Artwork
Old Woman with Fur Cap
Old Woman with Fur Cap is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerrit Dou. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Old Woman with Fur Cap is a 1630 oil painting by Gerrit Dou, a Dutch Golden Age artist associated with the Leiden fijnschilders movement, known for meticulous detail.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts an elderly woman, identified as Neeltje Willemsdr. Zuytbrouck, wearing a fur cap and coat, with a serious expression. The dark background emphasizes her features, conveying a sense of dignity and introspection.
Technique & Style
Dou's use of chiaroscuro and attention to texture create a sense of depth and dimensionality. The contrast between light and dark adds to the overall mood, showcasing the artist's skill in rendering subtle lighting effects.
History & Provenance
The painting is now held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, reflecting its significance as a representative work of the Leiden fijnschilders.
Context
As a student of Rembrandt, Dou's work reflects the influence of his teacher's style, particularly in the use of chiaroscuro and capturing human emotion.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gerrit Dou (pronounced ; 7 April 1613 – 9 February 1675), also known as Gerard Douw or Dow, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, whose small, highly polished paintings are typical of the Leiden fijnschilders.
