Portrait of Margriet Benningh (1565-1641)

Pickenoy renders the ruff with meticulous attention to its pleats, creating a subtle three‑dimensional effect that catches the eye. The dark backdrop isolates the sitter, while the interplay of light and shadow—an application of chiaroscuro—enhances the contrast between the luminous skin, the stark collar, and the surrounding gloom.

The portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of its Dutch Golden Age assemblage, reflecting the museum’s commitment to preserving works by artists such as Pickenoy, who may have studied under Cornelis van der Voort. Its provenance traces back to the 17th‑century Dutch art market, where portraiture was a prominent genre.