Existing comment:
Circle of Rembrandt van Rijn
Portrait of a Young Woman, ca 1630-40
Though scholars have attributed this painting to Rembrandt it is in all probability by a member of his immediate circle. A bust-length study of a young woman in fanciful dress is fanciful dress is typical of Rembrandt's work at this time. It is even likely that she is meant to represent his sister Lijsbeth.
Rather paradoxically, Rembrandt's students and followers often copied or emulated paintings he had done of his family and close circle. Even more surprisingly, Rembrandt himself often touched up their work. As a result, the students achieved their master's results -- the close study of intimately known people -- but ignored the methods he used to reach them. Many of these workshop paintings carry Rembrandt's "signature," as seen here, most likely added later to increase their value. |