Old Woman Meditating

Gabriël Metsu (1629-1667), oil on panel, c. 1661-1663

An elderly woman sits with a book on her lap, having removed her pince-nez. Perhaps she is taking a momentary pause, or has she dozed off? Her pale, wrinkled face, hands, and the white pages stand out against the darkness. Thus Metsu emphasized the subject: the study of devotional texts, with a focus on the transience of life.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-672
  • Dimensionsheight 27.3 cm x width 23.2 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op paneel