By Susanna Conway
Known for its beauty and its mystery, Rembrandt’s “Portrait of a Woman” is one of the Speed Art Museum’s pride and joys. Painted in 1630, the identity of this portrait’s subject has remained a mystery-until recently.
“Portrait of a Woman” was originally paired with “Portrait of a Bearded Man in a Wide-Brimmed Hat,” which was painted by Rembrandt three years later.
Though thought to be a husband-wife set, the identities of the couple were unknown. The two portraits were sold separately in an auction in New York City in 1960.
The ownership changed again in 1977, when the Speed Art Museum purchased the “Woman,” and the Norton Simon Art Foundation purchased its counterpart.
The portraits remained at these locations until they were shipped on a recent European tour.
London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Rembrandt House in Amsterdam hosted a commemorative exhibition celebrating Rembrandt’s 400th birthday, the Uylenburgh and Son, Art and Business in the Age of Rembrandt tour.
It was on this tour that the portraits circulated for approximately two years and the identities of the mysterious pair were uncovered.
While reviewing a 1702 inventory of historical documents, the tour’s curator, Jaap Van der Veen, discovered a detailed description regarding a pair of Rembrandt’s portraits.
It was said that Peter Pietersz Sijen was the son of the “Man” in the portraits. The ages of the subjects, which were written on the actual paintings, corresponded to this evidence. So, it was inferred that the subjects of these portraits were Marretje Cornelisdr van Grotewal and Pieter Sijen. This historical revelation added to the popularity of the Rembrandt exhibitions.
The Speed Art Museum was glad to reinstall its “Portrait of a Woman” on Jan. 16.
Peter Morris, museum director said, “It is wonderful to have her home. ‘Portrait of a Woman’ is an outstanding example of 17th century Dutch mastery that is truly a highlight of the Museum’s remarkable collection.”
