Who painted Old Jewish woman?

Old Jewish woman was painted by Meijer de Haan in 1880-01-01.

Where can I see Old Jewish woman?

Old Jewish woman is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Old Jewish woman?

Old Jewish woman is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Old Jewish woman?

Museum-quality prints of Old Jewish woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Old Jewish woman

Meijer de Haan , 1890

Old Jewish woman is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Meijer de Haan. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts an elderly woman identified as Jewish, rendered in a sober, introspective style that emphasizes her age and character.

The work depicts an elderly woman identified as Jewish, rendered in a sober, introspective style that emphasizes her age and character. The sitter’s traditional head covering and expression convey a sense of quiet endurance and lived experience, aligning with contemporaneous depictions of elderly Jewish subjects in Dutch art. The painting’s restrained palette and close focus on the individual suggest an intent to present the subject with dignity rather than caricature, positioning the work within a broader late-nineteenth-century trend toward empathetic portrayals of marginalized figures.

The subject’s identity as "Old Jewish woman" is linked to the artist’s circle in Paris, where de Haan engaged with Symbolist and realist currents that often explored themes of human fragility and resilience.

Technique & Style

Created in 1880, Old Jewish woman is an oil painting executed on a canvas support. The work measures 63 cm in height and 52 cm in width. Classified as a portrait, the piece depicts an elderly woman and is housed in the Rijksmuseum collection.

The handling of the oil paint on canvas establishes its formal identity within the artist's output of the period.

History & Provenance

The painting titled Old Jewish woman was created by Dutch artist Meijer Isaäc de Haan in 1880 as an oil on canvas portrait. It entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. The work measures 63 cm in height and 52 cm in width and is classified as a portrait genre piece.

Overview

Created in 1890 by Dutch artist Meijer de Haan, the oil painting titled Old Jewish Woman presents a quiet portrait of an elderly figure. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, offering a glimpse into the artist’s post‑impressionist phase. Its composition centers on the sitter, whose gentle expression contrasts with a darkened backdrop, drawing attention to her face and attire.

Context

The portrait emerges at a time when Dutch painters were exploring new expressive possibilities beyond academic realism. De Haan’s focus on a modest, everyday subject aligns with broader European interests in depicting ordinary people with dignity. The use of bold color and texture situates the work within the evolving dialogue between traditional portraiture and modernist abstraction.