Portrait of a Woman 1632

Rembrandt van Rijn's "Portrait of a Woman" from 1632 is a striking example of the Dutch Golden Age portrait. The subject, dressed in a lavish black gown with a voluminous white ruff, stares directly at the viewer with a sense of quiet intensity. The use of chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts of light and shadow, creates a dramatic and almost sculptural effect, emphasizing the woman's features and the intricate details of her attire. This masterful work of art embodies Rembrandt's early style, marked by a keen observation of human psychology and a masterful use of light.