Artwork
Portrait of an Old Woman
Portrait of an Old Woman is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1654, this oil painting by Rembrandt van Rijck presents an elderly woman seated against a dark backdrop. The composition centers on her face, illuminated by a gentle light that highlights the texture of her skin and the rich red of her hood. The work belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is currently displayed in the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is an aged woman, her expression solemn and introspective. A white collar and dark dress frame her, while a vivid red hood draws attention to her features. The careful rendering of wrinkles and the steady set of her lips suggest a life marked by experience and dignity, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time.
Technique & Style
Rembrandt employs his characteristic chiaroscuro, using a warm, focused light to model the woman's face against a deep, muted background. The brushwork captures fine details—skin creases, fabric folds—and the subtle color variations add depth. The contrast between the luminous skin and the shadowed surroundings exemplifies the master’s skill in portraying texture and atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Painted toward the end of Rembrandt’s career, the portrait entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains part of the museum’s Dutch Golden Age holdings. Its acquisition reflects the 19th‑century Russian interest in European Old Masters, and the work has been documented in the Hermitage’s catalogue since its arrival.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
