Portrait of Ida Block (1632-1693), Seated with Astronomical Instruments c. 1675 - 1680

"Portrait of Ida Block (1632-1693), Seated with Astronomical Instruments" is a c. 1675-1680 portrait by Jan Thopas (1625-1695) depicting Ida Block, seated with an armillary sphere and a compass. The portrait is rendered in a realistic style typical of 17th-century Dutch painting. The composition, with Block seated in a room featuring a bookshelf and a window view, emphasizes her intellectual pursuits and the tools of her craft. The portrait captures Block's dignity and intelligence, making her a powerful example of a learned woman in the 17th century.