Old Woman in an Armchair 1629 - 1639

"Old Woman in an Armchair" is a 17th-century Dutch portrait painting by Jacob Backer, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting portrays an elderly woman seated in an armchair, her face characterized by wrinkles and the passage of time, her hands resting calmly. The woman's elaborate ruff and dark attire speak to the fashionable dress of the era, while the somber palette and realistic detail capture the essence of Dutch Golden Age portraiture. The painting stands as a testament to Backer's skill in depicting individual character and the passage of time, making it a compelling example of Dutch portraiture.