Portret van Zuster Columba 1655

Cornelis Bloemaert's 1655 etching "Portret van Zuster Columba" depicts the elderly nun in an oval frame, surrounded by a wreath of laurel held by two cherubs. The inscription at the bottom identifies her as Columba de Tofanis, a member of the Order of Saint Francis in the city of Orvieto, who died at the age of 79 in 1655. The dramatic use of light and shadow, typical of Baroque art, heightens the sense of solemnity and reverence for the deceased. The cherubs, representing innocence and eternal life, complete the allegorical tribute. This etching, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Bloemaert's mastery of portraiture and his ability to imbue his subjects with a sense of timeless dignity.