Portrait of a Woman with a Prayer Book 1560 - 1570

Bartholomaeus Bruyn the Younger's "Portrait of a Woman with a Prayer Book" (1560-1570) is a striking example of Northern Renaissance portraiture. The woman, dressed in a black gown and white headdress, holds a prayer book, signifying her piety. Her serious expression and the detail of the lace collar reflect the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to realism characteristic of the period. This painting, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the artistic tradition of portraying individual figures within a specific social and religious context.