Woman with a Pink

Rembrandt van Rijn rendered this portrait around 1656, showing a woman holding a deep pink carnation. She rests one arm on a table displaying fruit and a book, probably a Bible. The pink symbolizes marriage or betrothal, while apples represent original sin.

A 2007-2008 conservation treatment confirmed Rembrandt's authorship. The painting passed through Pierre Crozat's collection before reaching the National Gallery of Art. Rembrandt's mid-1650s portrait style shows qualities of simplicity and forcefulness. Smooth brushstrokes recreate soft skin while thicker strokes highlight details. Now at the National Gallery in London.