Portrait of Adriana van Ruytenburgh, wife of Adriaen Pauw

Adriana van Ruytenburgh was the wife of Adriaen Pauw, one of the most powerful Dutch diplomats of the period. Ter Borch's 1646 portrait was made at approximately the same time as his Adriaan Clant portrait, both belonging to a productive phase when he was moving in the highest diplomatic and aristocratic circles. Pauw himself had been involved in the negotiations leading to the 1648 Peace of Münster — one of the most significant events of the century — and his wife's portrait reflects the social prominence of the couple. The commission demonstrates ter Borch's ability to attract the most prestigious sitters.

The large-scale female portrait deploys ter Borch's full repertoire for rendering costly dress — the silk of the overskirt, the lace collar, the jewellery. The composition is formal and upright, suited to the sitter's social position. The face is painted with characteristic restraint and psychological acuity.