Jonge vrouw in gefantaseerde kleding

The young woman’s clothing is not in keeping with the fashions of Rembrandt’s day, but rather reflects styles of earlier centuries. The woman’s distinctive features – a domed forehead, slightly bulging eyes, and pronounced chin – are easily recognized in depictions of ancient goddesses and heroines that Rembrandt painted in the 1630s. Thus the painting is not strictly a portrait, but a ‘tronie’, or fantasy head.