Artwork
Portrait of an old woman in an armchair
Portrait of an old woman in an armchair is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Maerten Pietersz. Deym. It dates from 1613 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
She wears a dark fur-lined coat over a patterned dress, a white ruff collar, and a dark hat with a fur trim.
This painting shows an older woman sitting in a chair, dressed in rich clothes. She wears a dark fur-lined coat over a patterned dress, a white ruff collar, and a dark hat with a fur trim. Her hands rest on the armrest, and she looks straight ahead with a calm expression. Behind her, a red patterned curtain hangs on the wall.
The tiny writing on the frame says she was 86 years old in 1613. That’s a long life for the time.
Look up chiaroscuro next to see how artists use light and shadow like this.
Overview
The Portrait of an old woman in an armchair is a 1613 oil painting by Maerten Pietersz. Deym, held at the National Museum in Warsaw.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts an elderly woman seated in a chair, dressed in luxurious attire, with a calm demeanor. An inscription on the frame indicates she was 86 years old at the time of painting, a notable age for the era.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. The subject's rich clothing and the red patterned curtain behind her are rendered in detail, highlighting the artist's skill with texture and fabric.
Artist & collection
