Who painted Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother)?

Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother) was painted by Rembrandt in 1631.

Where can I see Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother)?

Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother) is held by Mauritshuis.

What movement is Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother)?

Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother)?

Museum-quality prints of Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother)

Rembrandt , 1631

Study of an old woman (Rembrandt's mother) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.

About this work

Overview

Executed in 1631, this oil on canvas presents a half‑length portrait of an elderly woman, rendered with the restrained palette and intimate focus characteristic of Rembrandt’s early‑career output. The sitter’s down‑cast gaze and weathered features convey a quiet, introspective mood, while the modest dark headscarf, punctuated by a tiny red gem, frames her face.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts an aged female figure, likely a personal acquaintance of the artist, perhaps his mother, emphasizing the passage of time through the pronounced wrinkles and softened eyes. The subdued expression invites contemplation of aging, dignity, and the private sphere, aligning with Rembrandt’s interest in capturing the inner life of ordinary individuals.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt employs a limited yet nuanced colour range, layering thin glazes to model flesh and fabric. The chiaroscuro treatment creates depth, while delicate brushwork suggests the texture of skin and cloth. The subtle red accent on the headscarf draws attention to the face, highlighting the painter’s skill in rendering light on complex surfaces.

History & Provenance

Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the painting belongs to a prolific period when Rembrandt produced roughly three hundred canvases alongside numerous etchings and drawings. Its attribution to the master has been supported by stylistic analysis, and it has passed through several private collections before entering a public institution, where it remains a representative example of his early portraiture.

Context

The early 1630s saw Rembrandt exploring a variety of subjects, from formal commissions to intimate studies of everyday people. This portrait reflects that shift, focusing less on status symbols and more on the psychological presence of the sitter, a hallmark of the artist’s evolving approach to human representation.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.