Portrait of a Woman, probably Aeltje Dircksdr. Pater1638 · Study 1948.137

Context from the museum

Portraits by Hals often feature bold, jagged brushstrokes. This portrait shows him experimenting with the “wet-into-wet,” technique, in which layers of paint were added in succession without being allowed to dry in between. Note the blended strokes used at the woman’s hairline to suggest individual strands of hair. The sitter has been tentatively identified as Aeltje Dircksdr. Pater (1597–1678), wife of the Haarlem brewer and burgomaster (mayor) Jan de Wael (1594–1663). An inscription states she was 41 when Hals painted her.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Jewelry, lace, and sumptuous fabrics show off this woman's wealth—and the artist's skill in painting them.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Portrait of a Woman, probably Aeltje Dircksdr. Pater is 52.3 cm wide and 66.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 20.6 × 26.2 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.79:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.35 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 17.4% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 123.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Portrait of a Woman, probably Aeltje Dircksdr. Pater in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 52.3 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?