Portrait of Rembrandt's Mother

Dou's c.1650 portrait of Rembrandt's mother — or a figure traditionally identified as such — reflects the long afterlife of Rembrandt's Leiden years in his former pupil's work. Rembrandt's mother Neeltgen Willemsdochter van Zuytbroeck had been a favourite subject for Rembrandt himself in the late 1620s and early 1630s, and Dou may have painted her from life during their studio association or from a later recollection. The subject carried sentimental and biographical value for collectors who prized works associated with Rembrandt's early circle. The painting demonstrates Dou's mature command of the aged-face portrait in warm, intimate light.

The elderly face is rendered with Dou's characteristic meticulousness — every wrinkle, the texture of aged skin, the slight opacity of the eyes built up in fine glazes. Soft warm light from one side picks out the face and headdress. The background is neutral and unobtrusive, typical of Dou's portrait format.