The Artist's Mother Seated at a Table, Looking Right

Rembrandt van Rijn

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an older woman in a seated position with her hands folded on her lap. She has a furrowed brow and prominent cheekbones, with her hair covered by a dark, hood-like garment framing her face. She is wearing a heavy, textured shawl or cloak over her shoulders, with a lighter garment peeking out around the neck and wrists. There are no visible pieces of jewelry. The background is simple, emphasizing the person's form and clothing against a blank canvas.