The artwork colloquially referred to as “Lady with a Lap Dog” is credited to the renowned artist Rembrandt van Rijn and is dated circa 1665. This painting is an exemplar of the Baroque period, notable for its utilisation of Tenebrism, a style characterized by dramatic contrasts between light and dark. The genre of the artwork is a portrait, and it currently resides in the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto, Canada.
The artwork presents a woman of gentle disposition, portrayed sitting with a small dog nestled in the crook of her arm. The soft lighting illuminates her face and chest, highlighting her delicate features, pensive gaze, and the luxurious fabric of her garment. Her attire suggests a status of some affluence, adorned with jewelry such as a pearl necklace, earrings, and a brooch, which command attention amidst the surrounding darkness. There’s an air of intimacy and tranquility that emanates from the work, typical of the introspective and emotive character seen in Rembrandt’s portraiture. The tasteful application of light and shadow, combined with the rich, warm tones of her clothing and the tender portrayal of her companion, coalesce into a vivid and poignant depiction of this unidentified woman.