Old Woman Resting and the Head of a Young Woman

About this artwork

hoogte 193 mm x breedte 198 mm

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our virtual museum exhibit! "Old Woman Rest and the Head of a Woman" is a charming double study by Nicolaes Maes, created between 1653 and 1657. Rendered on paper and measuring a modest 193 × mm, this intimate drawing juxtaposes the weary repose of an elderly figure with the fresh, alert features of a youthful woman, inviting viewers to ponder contrasts in age and vitality. Nicolaes Maes, a key figure in the Dutch Golden Age, trained under Rembrandt in Amsterdam during the mid-17th century—a time of artistic innovation and economic prosperity in the Netherlands. Known for his genre scenes and portraits, Maes brought psychological depth and gentle humor to everyday domestic life, often focusing on women in candid moments. This work reflects his mastery of figure studies, capturing human expression with economical precision. As a drawing on paper, it highlights the preparatory nature of such sketches in the Dutch tradition: quick, observational tools for refining compositions before transferring to canvas. These small-scale gems offer a rare window into Maes' process, blending realism with empathy in a format that feels immediate and personal.

About the Artist

Nicolaes Maes · 1634–1693

Maes' genre scenes are his most well-known works although he was also a painter of religious scenes in his early career and a portraitist later in his career. Comment on works: Portraits; Interiors; History