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Old Woman Reading, c.1631-c.1632. Creator: Gerrit Dou
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Old Woman Reading, c.1631-c.1632. Creator: Gerrit Dou
Old Woman Reading, c.1631-c.1632. Other Title(s): Old Woman reading a Lectionary : the so-called portrait of Rembrandt's mother, Neeltgen Willemsdr van Zuijdtbroeck (d. 1640)
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Media ID 36346471
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Dou Gerard Dou Gerrit Douw Gerard Dow Gerard Dow Gerhard Dow Gerrit Elderly Woman Gerard Dou Gerard Douw Gerard Dow Gerhard Dow Gerrit Dou Gerrit Dow Old Woman Parent Dutch Golden Age Golden Age Head Dress Lectionary
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Old Woman Reading," a captivating artwork by the Dutch Baroque painter Gerrit Dou, dates back to the early 17th century, around 1631-1632. This masterpiece, also known as "Old Woman reading a Lectionary: the so-called portrait of Rembrandt's mother, Neeltgen Willemsdr van Zuijdtbroeck," is an exquisite example of the Dutch Golden Age's artistic prowess. The painting is an oil on panel creation, measuring approximately 27.5 x 22.5 cm, and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The painting portrays an elderly woman in a thoughtful and introspective moment as she reads from a large, open lectionary, her face illuminated by the soft, warm light filtering in from the window. Her headdress, adorned with intricate lace and pearls, adds a sense of elegance and refinement to the scene. The woman's profile, with her wrinkled, expressive face and deeply lined features, reveals the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with age. The painting is believed to be a portrait of Neeltgen Willemsdr van Zuijdtbroeck, the mother of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Despite this connection, there is no definitive proof that the woman in the painting is indeed Rembrandt's mother. However, the painting's historical significance lies not only in its potential connection to Rembrandt but also in its representation of the Dutch Baroque era's artistic style and the concept of motherhood. The painting invites viewers to contemplate the passage of time, the importance of literature, and the beauty of the aging process. The Old Woman Reading is a testament to Gerrit Dou's exceptional talent as a painter, with its intricate details, lifelike portrayal, and evocative use of light and shadow. This painting remains a beloved and enduring masterpiece of Dutch art and a reminder of the rich artistic heritage of the Netherlands during the Baroque era.
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