Old Woman with a Cap 1653 - 1657

Nicolaes Maes’s “Old Woman with a Cap” from 1653 - 1657 is a detailed red chalk drawing depicting an elderly woman knitting. The artist captures the texture of her wrinkled skin, her hands deftly manipulating the knitting needles, and the intricate patterns of her clothing. This intimate portrait, rendered with careful realism, reflects Maes’s mastery of Dutch Golden Age portraiture, emphasizing the dignity and everyday life of ordinary people. The small scale of the work, measuring 156 mm in height and 119 mm in width, further enhances its intimate nature and close-up perspective.