Although, in line with current taste, Nicolaes Maes employed a more flowing brush than Rembrandt, his palette and chiaroscuro are reminiscent of his teacher’s work. By contrasting the fall of light, the artist has captured the various hues of the materials superbly.

This portrait is typical of the later work of Nicolaes Maes. After leaving Dordrecht for Amsterdam in 1673 he rose to become one of the city’s most sought-after portrait painters. He created a new elegant style of portraiture that suited the tastes of his wealthy circle of patrons precisely. Maes often depicted his subject with an imaginary garden landscape in the background.

This lady is wearing a simple, classical, yet extremely elegant gown, the height of contemporary fashion. The stiff lace collar of former times had by now made way for a wide and ample neckline. The loose bouquet of roses on the stone pillar beside her emphasises the sense of flamboyant elegance.