Portrait of Clara Alewijn

1644

Clara Alewijn was only nine years old when she sat for this painting. It is the pendant of the portrait of her brother Martinus. Mirroring him, Clara is portrayed as shepherdess sitting beneath a tree and surrounded by sheep. She holds a staff and flowers in her right hand. The bow and quiver in the foreground refer to hunting. Her festive fantasy gown lends the scene a timeless character.