Artwork
Portrait of a Young Woman, Possibly Susanna Reael
Portrait of a Young Woman, Possibly Susanna Reael is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Isaack Luttichuys. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The canvas presents a young woman dressed in a dark garment with a crisp white collar, holding a fan and gazing directly at the viewer.
About this work
Overview
The canvas presents a young woman dressed in a dark garment with a crisp white collar, holding a fan and gazing directly at the viewer. Her expression is composed, and her dark eyes convey a steady, calm presence. The work is framed in its original case, which features ornate auricular motifs and floral decoration typical of its period.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is identified as Susanna Reael, depicted at approximately eighteen years of age. She later married Hiob de Wildt and died at twenty‑five, shortly after the birth of their son David. The portrait captures a moment of youthful poise before her brief adulthood, offering a personal glimpse into the life of a 17th‑century Dutch woman.
Technique & Style
Rendered with a restrained palette, the artist emphasizes the contrast between the dark dress and the luminous white collar, highlighting the sitter’s features through subtle chiaroscuro. The fan, rendered with delicate brushwork, adds a tactile element, while the smooth handling of flesh tones conveys a realistic yet idealized likeness characteristic of Dutch portraiture of the era.
History & Provenance
The painting remained in the possession of the de Wildt family for several centuries, preserving both the artwork and its original frame. The frame’s auricular shapes and floral ornamentation reflect contemporary decorative trends and have survived intact, providing valuable context for the work’s original presentation and familial significance.
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Artist & collection
