Woman Playing the Sistrum

Before you stands "Woman Playing the Sistrum," a captivating painting by the renowned Dutch Golden Age artist, Jan Steen, created in 1662. This intimate portrait, measuring 27.5 centimeters wide and 31 centimeters high, is part of the esteemed collection of the Mauritshuis. The painting depicts a young woman, delicately playing a sistrum – a small, ancient percussion instrument. Notice the soft, diffused light that gently illuminates her face and the sistrum, highlighting the textures and subtle folds of her muted brownish-pink dress and the dark, hooded cloak she wears. The cloak's black fabric contrasts beautifully with the white lining peeking from the collar and cuffs. Her expression is gentle and reserved, her gaze directed slightly downward, creating a sense of quiet contemplation. The subdued earth tones of the painting—browns and pinks against the deep black of her cloak—contribute to the overall feeling of intimacy and serenity. The dark, indistinct background further focuses our attention on the woman and her musical activity. While the sistrum itself might suggest music, ritual, or even a subtle religious undertone, the painting's primary focus remains on the evocative portrayal of this young woman lost in her musical moment.