Portrait of the Artist`s Mother 1632

Guido Reni's *Portrait of the Artist's Mother* (1632) is a powerful and intimate portrait of a woman, presumably the artist's mother. The subject's direct gaze and solemn expression convey a sense of quiet dignity. The painting is characterized by Reni's mastery of chiaroscuro, with soft light illuminating the subject's face and highlighting the delicate folds of her white collar and hood. Reni's subtle brushstrokes give the portrait a sense of realism and depth, drawing viewers into the sitter's contemplative mood. The work is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque portraiture.