Saskia

585
Saskia
ca. 1636
Govaert Flinck

This costumed portrait of pregnant Saskia van Uylenburgh (1612-1642), Rembrandt's wife, can be interpreted as a Vanitas portrait due to the way she proudly wears her feathered hat and precious jewellery, symbols of transience. The light coming from above left illuminates the right side of her face, neck and a part of her bosom, creating a sharp border with the dark shadow on the left side of her face and clothes. Although influenced by Rembrandt's portraits of Saskia, this work by his pupil Flinck lacks both the characteristic inner radiance achieved in Rembrandt's portrayals of his wife and the structuring by means of flickering hues; still, it is a fine work of art with clearly outlined volumes and broad coats of light and dark olive and brown shades.