Who painted Portrait of an old woman?

Portrait of an old woman was painted by Pieter van Anraedt in 1666.

Where can I see Portrait of an old woman?

Portrait of an old woman is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Artwork

Portrait of an old woman

Portrait of an old woman is a paint painting by Pieter van Anraedt. It dates from 1666 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Created around 1666, this oil portrait depicts an elderly woman rendered in a restrained palette.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1666, this oil portrait depicts an elderly woman rendered in a restrained palette. She is shown in a dark, hooded cloak over a high‑necked white shirt, her hands folded before her chest. The figure gazes directly at the viewer, her pale complexion and solemn expression set against a deep, shadowed background that isolates her form.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s age and austere attire suggest a portrayal of dignity and modesty, common themes in mid‑seventeenth‑century Dutch portraiture. Her direct stare and composed posture convey a sense of personal resolve, while the simplicity of her clothing may reflect either a private individual or a member of a modest social class.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro to model the woman's face and drapery, using strong contrasts between illuminated areas and the surrounding darkness. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional presence, emphasizing the texture of the fabric and the subtle tonal variations of skin. The brushwork is controlled, favoring smooth surfaces over visible strokes.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Pieter van Anraedt, a Dutch painter active in the mid‑1600s, the work entered the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it remains on display. Documentation places its creation circa 1666, aligning with the artist’s mature period and the broader Dutch Golden Age of portraiture.