Portrait of a woman c. 1655

Ferdinand Bol's "Portrait of a Woman" from c. 1655 depicts a woman in a dark dress, her face illuminated in the center of the canvas. The sitter's gaze and the subtle curve of her lips give an air of quiet confidence, a common trait in Dutch portraiture of the 17th century. Bol, a student of Rembrandt, learned the master's techniques of chiaroscuro, evident in the dramatic contrasts between light and dark, adding depth and focus to the subject. This painting, currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the stylistic influence of Rembrandt on Bol’s art, showcasing a masterful command of light and shadow.