Catharina van Well (1626-1722), Wife of Guilliaam van Bleyswijk 1640 - 1660

Gerard van Kuijl's oil-on-canvas portrait of Catharina van Well, wife of Guilliaam van Bleyswijk, is a classic example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture. Van Well is depicted in a dignified and restrained manner, wearing a black dress with a richly embroidered collar and cuffs. Her pearl jewelry and the elegant fan she holds suggest her wealth and status. Van Kuijl's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism in the painting, highlighting the delicate details of van Well's attire and the subtle expression on her face. This portrait offers a glimpse into the lives of the Dutch elite during the Golden Age.