Artwork Information

Dirck Santvoort was a prolific portrait artist who predominantly painted for burgher (middle-class) families in Amsterdam. While we do not know who this portrait depicts, this is almost certainly a betrothal portrait, for the pose draws attention to the wedding ring on the unknown lady's finger. The inscription, which reads "Acta Sua. 27" indicates that she was 27 years old at the time of painting. Santvoort studied under prominent portrait painter Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy and was in the same circle as Rembrandt. The influence of both painters is evident in the detailing of the woman's clothes and in the transitions between light and shade.