Description
The Portrait of Maria Trip, the work of the Dutch master Rembrandt, is a piece that has captivated art lovers since its creation in 1639. This 107 x 82 cm oil-on-canvas painting is an example of the Baroque style that characterized Rembrandt's work.
The composition of the work is impressive, with a central figure that occupies a large part of the painting and that is illuminated by a light that comes from the left. The figure of Maria Trip, a woman from Dutch high society, is rendered in great detail and lifelikeness, demonstrating Rembrandt's ability to capture the essence of his sitters.
Color is another outstanding aspect of this work. The color palette used by Rembrandt is rich and varied, with warm and cool tones combining to create a unique atmosphere. The light that falls on Maria Trip's face is particularly impressive, creating a chiaroscuro effect that highlights the model's features.
The story behind this painting is also fascinating. Maria Trip was a woman of great beauty and wealth, and Rembrandt is said to have portrayed her as a gift to her husband, Balthasar Coymans. The work was part of the Coymans family collection for many years, until it was sold at auction in 1820.
But there is a little-known aspect of this work that makes it even more interesting. Rembrandt is believed to have used his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, as the model for the portrait of Maria Trip. This is because the figure of the sitter is very similar to that of Saskia in other works by Rembrandt.