Portrait of a Woman 1656

Nicolaes Maes's "Portrait of a Woman" (1656) depicts a middle-aged woman in a simple black dress with a white collar and a blue cap, her hands clasped together. The painting, characteristic of Maes's style, is a realistic depiction of a woman of the era, likely a middle-class Dutch citizen. The muted color palette and the woman's reserved expression create a sense of quiet dignity and introspection. Maes, a pupil of Rembrandt, is known for his adept portrayal of light and shadow, contributing to the painting's depth and realism.