Peter Paul Rubens – Portrait of a Woman, Probably Susanna Lunden (née Fourment, 1599–1628) Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The portrait presents a woman in a somber yet dignified pose. She is positioned against a dark, indistinct background that allows her form and features to dominate the composition. The artist employed a tenebrist approach, utilizing deep shadows to highlight areas of light on her face, neck, and hands, creating a sense of dramatic depth.
Her attire consists of a dark, flowing garment, likely velvet or a similar heavy fabric, draped loosely around her shoulders. A black veil partially obscures her hair, revealing only the front portion neatly arranged and adorned with an elaborate gold headband. The neckline of her dress is low-cut, exposing a generous expanse of décolletage, accentuated by a string of pearls that encircles her neck.
The woman’s expression is complex; she appears to be gazing directly at the viewer, yet theres a certain reserve in her eyes. A subtle melancholy seems to permeate her features, suggesting an inner life beyond what is immediately apparent. Her hand rests gently on her hip, a gesture that conveys both composure and perhaps a hint of vulnerability.
The artist’s brushwork is evident throughout the painting; loose and expressive strokes define the fabrics texture and create a sense of movement in the veil. The skin tones are rendered with considerable skill, capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow to suggest volume and form.
Subtly, the portrait conveys themes of mourning or contemplation. The dark colors and veiled head could signify grief or religious devotion. However, the luxurious fabrics and jewelry indicate a position of wealth and status. This juxtaposition creates an intriguing tension within the work, hinting at a woman who navigates both personal sorrow and societal expectations. The pearls, traditionally symbols of purity and innocence, are presented in contrast to the somber mood, adding another layer of complexity to her characterization. Ultimately, the painting offers a glimpse into the inner world of a woman whose identity remains partially shrouded in mystery.