Portrait of a Woman, Probably Susanna Lunden (Susanna Fourment, 1599–1628)

Portrait of a Woman, Probably Susanna Lunden (Susanna Fourment, 1599–1628) is a focused oil on wood panel painting created by Peter Paul Rubens between 1625 and 1627. This masterful example of Flemish Baroque portraiture is historically identified as depicting Susanna Fourment, the sister of the artist’s second wife, Hélène Fourment. Executed late in Rubens’s career, the small-scale work demonstrates his mature technique and sophisticated handling of light and texture, capturing a moment of intense presence.

Rubens employs swift, confident brushstrokes typical of his later style to emphasize the subject's face, which is framed by dark clothing and a simple white ruff. The artist's primary concern here is the psychological depth and vital energy of the sitter, a hallmark of his successful Portraits. Unlike his monumental historical or religious compositions, this intimate painting highlights the delicate rendering of flesh tones and the focused intensity of the woman’s gaze, placing her firmly within the social and artistic sphere of wealthy Antwerp. The careful modeling and subtle use of reflected light ensure the subject maintains a vivid connection with the viewer.

As a significant example of Baroque works centered on specific Women of the era, the piece remains a vital asset to scholarship on Rubens’s professional and personal life. This panel is currently classified as a centerpiece of the European Paintings collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work’s renown ensures that high-quality prints of the artwork are frequently sought after, often made available through public domain initiatives associated with the museum's digital resources.