Portrait of Mrs. W.J.S. van Alphen, baroness of Reede van Oudtshoorn

The sitter is presented upright against a dark, textured backdrop, her posture dignified and her expression composed yet solemn. She wears a black dress with a high lace collar and cuffs, accented by a gold brooch at the throat, while her hair is gathered beneath a delicate lace cap.

Saleh employs a restrained Romantic style, using chiaroscuro to model the figure. The contrast between the illuminated face and the deep background creates a clear focal point, while the fine rendering of lace and fabric demonstrates his meticulous handling of oil paint.

Signed and dated by the artist in the lower corner, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of its 19th‑century Dutch collection. Its provenance traces back to the van Alphen family, reflecting the social status of the baroness within the Netherlands.