Portrait of Catarina van Leunink, 80x59 cm, Eremita Gerard Terborch (1617-1681)

The painting presents a full-length portrait of a woman standing in a three-quarter pose. She is positioned centrally within the composition, facing slightly towards the viewers left. The background is dark and undifferentiated, creating a sense of depth while directing attention solely onto the figure.
Here we see a subject dressed in an elaborate gown. The dominant color is a deep black, which appears in the main body of the dress and the sleeves. These are contrasted by panels of shimmering silver-grey fabric at the skirt’s hem and along the bodice, suggesting wealth and refinement through luxurious materials. A delicate white lace shawl drapes over her shoulders, adding lightness and texture to the overall ensemble. The sleeves exhibit a distinctive puffed design, characteristic of the periods fashion.
The woman holds a small object in her left hand; its precise nature is unclear but it appears to be a fan or a similar decorative item. Her right hand rests gently at her side. She wears a modest headpiece adorned with what seems to be a jeweled pendant, further emphasizing her status. The artist has rendered the face with careful attention to detail, capturing a sense of quiet dignity and composure. The skin tones are subtly modeled, and the eyes convey an impression of intelligence and perhaps a touch of melancholy.
The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the figure from the front and highlighting the textures of her clothing. This creates a gentle contrast between light and shadow that enhances the three-dimensionality of the subject. The floor appears to be rendered with a warm, earthy tone, providing a grounding element for the composition.
Subtly, the painting conveys an impression of restrained elegance and social standing. The dark background serves not only as a visual foil but also suggests a sense of privacy or introspection. The woman’s posture and expression suggest a person accustomed to formality and possessing inner strength. The meticulous rendering of fabric textures and jewelry points towards a desire to showcase wealth and status, while the overall mood is one of quiet contemplation rather than overt display.