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Young Boy in Profile by Leyster, Judith

Leyster, Judith · c. 1630

This striking "Young Boy in Profile" by Judith Leyster, painted around 1630, tells a remarkable story of rediscovery. For centuries, Leyster's incredible talent was overlooked, with many of her works mistakenly attributed to male contemporaries like Frans Hals.

Leyster's sensitive brushwork is evident in the boy's flushed cheek, the intricate details of his tousled hair, and the quiet intensity of his profile. She captures a fleeting moment of youthful introspection that feels timeless.

Judith Leyster was a formidable artist in 17th-century Haarlem, a time when few women achieved such prominence. She ran her own studio, took on apprentices, and even out-earned some of her male peers. It wasn't until the late 19th century that scholars began to unravel the misattributions, restoring her rightful place in art history.

Today, her work is celebrated for its unique warmth and lively touch. What details draw your eye the most in this rediscovered masterpiece?

Details

For centuries, the painter Judith Leyster was largely forgotten.
For centuries, the painter Judith Leyster was largely forgotten.
Only in 1893 was her work rediscovered and attributed correctly.
Only in 1893 was her work rediscovered and attributed correctly.
Look closely at the detail of his tousled hair and ear.
Look closely at the detail of his tousled hair and ear.
She ran her own studio and even took on students.
She ran her own studio and even took on students.
Her sensitive portrayals, like this boy, are now highly prized.
Her sensitive portrayals, like this boy, are now highly prized.
Transcript

This portrait was once thought to be by a male artist. For centuries, the painter Judith Leyster was largely forgotten. Only in 1893 was her work rediscovered and attributed correctly. Look closely at the detail of his tousled hair and ear. She ran her own studio and even took on students. Her sensitive portrayals, like this boy, are now highly prized. They reveal a master painter finally getting her due.