Peter Paul Rubens – Portrait of Susanna Lunden (Le Chapeau de Paille) Part 5 National Gallery UK

The portrait presents a young woman in three-quarter view, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a subtle, almost enigmatic expression. She is positioned against a landscape backdrop that recedes into a hazy distance, suggesting depth and atmosphere through varying tones of blue and grey. The sky appears turbulent, hinting at an emotional undercurrent beyond the immediate subject.
The woman’s attire immediately draws attention. A wide-brimmed hat, adorned with elaborate feather plumes, dominates the upper portion of the composition. This detail suggests a certain level of social standing and fashionable awareness. Beneath the hat, her face is framed by loosely arranged auburn hair, partially concealed but still revealing its rich color. Her skin tone possesses a luminosity achieved through careful application of light and shadow, emphasizing the softness of her features. She wears delicate pearl earrings, adding to the overall impression of refinement.
The clothing she wears further contributes to the portrait’s narrative. A white blouse with lace detailing is visible at the neckline, contrasting sharply with a black ribbon that cinches her waist. Over this, a vibrant red cloak or shawl is draped across her shoulders and arms, its folds meticulously rendered to create a sense of texture and volume. The sleeves are lined with what appears to be a lighter fabric, adding another layer of visual interest. Her hands are crossed in front of her, adorned with several rings on the fingers of her right hand; these details suggest wealth and perhaps a certain degree of self-assurance.
The artist’s brushwork is characterized by a loose, painterly style, particularly evident in the rendering of the landscape and the fabric textures. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and vitality to the portrait, moving beyond a purely representational depiction towards an exploration of light, color, and form.
Subtleties within the composition invite deeper consideration. The woman’s expression is not overtly joyful or sorrowful; instead, it conveys a quiet introspection that invites speculation about her inner life. The turbulent sky in the background might be interpreted as symbolic of underlying emotional complexity or perhaps simply as an atmospheric element contributing to the overall mood. The lavishness of her attire and jewelry suggests a privileged position within society, while the slightly melancholic expression hints at a possible vulnerability beneath the surface. Ultimately, the portrait offers a glimpse into the life of a woman whose identity remains partially veiled, leaving room for individual interpretation and engagement with its layered meanings.