Maria Pietersdr de Leest (d. 1652), Wife of Samuel van Lansbergen 1646

Bartholomeus van der Helst’s 1646 portrait of Maria Pietersdr de Leest, the wife of Samuel van Lansbergen, is a masterful example of Dutch Golden Age portraiture. The painting is characterized by its realism and attention to detail, capturing de Leest’s features and the texture of her clothing with remarkable precision. De Leest’s imposing ruff and the subtle shadows cast by her headdress contribute to the work’s sense of gravitas. This intimate portrayal reflects the prevailing cultural values of the period, celebrating the strength and dignity of the sitter. The portrait now resides at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.