This painting forms a pair with Portrait of a Gentleman by the same artist. It is believed to be a betrothal portrait created to decorate the home of the married couple. The lady’s sumptuous attire would confirm that she was a noblewoman or from the haute bourgeoisie.

On another note, the fan she holds in her hand is evidence of the model’s elevated financial and social position, as this article was only introduced into Holland in the early 17^th century.

Like its companion painting, the painstaking technique is redolent of 16^th century portraits.

Both the table and the base of the fluted column, which is partially covered with a plush curtain, confirm the connection with the previous portrait, with the husband and wife portrayed in the same lavish architectural setting. While the location of the column remains unchanged in the two portraits, the position of the table has been shifted.

By mitigating the sense of depth, Dutch 17^th century portraits wished to accentuate the importance of the models and to enhance the details of their clothing and countenance. These portraits were probably made to be displayed in a prominent position in the main room of the couple’s home, which probably contained the columns and the table shown in the paintings.