Portrait of a Lady
Nicolaes Maes
(Dutch, 1634-1693)
1682
Oil on canvas
Nicolaes Maes studied in the workshop of Rembrandt where he was regarded as one of the master’s most gifted pupils. Later he was influenced by fluid brushstrokes and theatrical settings used by the Flemish painters. This sitter is a likely widow. The ease of her posture shows the influence of the Flemish painters. She wears mourning clothes, which includes a widow’s peak of black lace partially covering her hair.