Artwork
Portrait of a Seated Woman with a Handkerchief
Portrait of a Seated Woman with a Handkerchief is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Seated Woman with a Handkerchief is an oil painting currently attributed to Carel Fabritius.
History & Provenance
The painting was sold at auction in 1845 as part of Joseph Cardinal Fesch's collection and later owned by Sir George Holford. It was sold again in 1928 and acquired by Eaton's corporation, who displayed it in their stores. The painting was eventually donated to the Art Gallery of Toronto in 1966 by the widow of R.Y. Eaton.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a seated woman holding a handkerchief, signed 'Rembrandt f. 1644', a signature now considered potentially false.
Technique & Style
The work is an example of 17th-century oil painting technique, with the use of glazing likely contributing to its visual effect.
Legacy
The painting was one of six valuable works stolen from the Art Gallery of Toronto in 1959, highlighting its significance at the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
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