Portrait of Maria van Arckel, three-quarter-length, seated, before a balustrade

Welcome, everyone! Before you stands Portrait of Maria van Arckel, three-quarter-length, seated, before a balustrade, a captivating oil on canvas painting by the renowned Dutch artist Bartholomeus van der Helst, created in 1655. This remarkable portrait, measuring 0.962 meters wide and 1.117 meters high, is currently part of a private collection. nn The painting beautifully presents Maria van Arckel, an older woman, seated in a three-quarter view. Her dignified expression and the subtle lines on her face speak volumes about a life lived with grace and composure. Her dark hair is neatly pulled back, partially concealed beneath a dark cap. She is elegantly dressed in a dark velvet gown, the richness of the fabric subtly suggested by the artist's skillful use of light and shadow. A crisp white linen chemise with a wide collar, adorned with dark bows, peeks from beneath the velvet. Similar white linen cuffs accentuate her sleeves. A delicate pearl necklace and a gold ring on her right ring finger add further touches of refinement. In her left hand, she holds a partially visible, ornate fan, hinting at a delicate pink hue, a common accessory in 17th-century portraits, perhaps symbolizing the fleeting nature of time. nn The background is a carefully rendered pastoral landscape, painted in soft greens and browns. Rolling hills, trees, and a distant horizon stretch beneath a sky filled with fluffy white clouds, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. A dark green ivy vine partially obscures a dark wooden chair to the sitter's right. The overall color palette is subdued, with the dark tones of the dress and background contrasting beautifully with the lighter hues of Maria's skin and the white linen. The soft light falling on her face and hands enhances the realism and three-dimensionality of the portrait. nn This painting is a prime example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture, showcasing the artist's mastery of realism and his ability to capture the quiet dignity and refined elegance of his subject. The landscape background subtly suggests Maria van Arckel's wealth and status, further enriching the narrative of this compelling artwork.