Portrait of a Woman, probably a Member of the Van Beresteyn Family

Portrait of a Woman, probably a Member of the Van Beresteyn Family is an early masterpiece by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), painted in 1632. Executed in oil on canvas, this work belongs to a crucial period immediately following Rembrandt’s relocation to Amsterdam, where he rapidly established himself as the premier portraitist for the city's wealthy merchant class. The piece is housed in the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The subject, identified tentatively as a member of the influential Van Beresteyn family, is rendered with meticulous detail, reflecting the demand for verisimilitude in 17th-century Dutch Portraits. She is depicted wearing the sober, expensive black silk dress, large millstone ruff, and lace cap typical of affluent Women of the era. Rembrandt utilizes focused, dramatic lighting to emphasize the sitter's face and hands against the darker background, a technique characteristic of his early Amsterdam style. This skillful interplay of light and shadow draws attention to the rich textures of the fabrics and the perceived psychological depth of the subject's gaze.

Rembrandt completed this painting, likely as a pendant to a now-lost companion piece depicting her husband, during the height of his commercial success. The execution is precise, yet displays the developing freedom of brushwork that would define his later career. As an important record of 17th-century life and costume, the canvas remains highly studied. High-quality reference images and prints of this key work are frequently made available through various public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to Rembrandt’s unparalleled skill in capturing individual character and societal status.