Portret van een jonge vrouw

About this artwork

…; collection Otilie Vincencie Roberta Spatkowa (1877-1972), Amsterdam;{Note RMA.} her daughter, Vivienne Ruth van Poelgeest, née Spatkowa (1910-76), Amsterdam; by whom bequeathed, with xx other objects, to the museum, 1976

Art Historical Context

This intimate oil painting, *Portret van een jonge vrouw*, captures the quiet presence of its subject in a modest format measuring just 32 by 26 centimeters. Created by Dutch artist Suze Robertson sometime between 1875 and 1922, the work exemplifies the personal scale often favored for portraiture during this period. The small size invites close viewing, allowing the viewer to appreciate the subtle textures and tonal qualities inherent to oil paint. The painting’s journey to the Rijksmuseum adds a layer of human interest. It once belonged to Otilie Vincencie Roberta Spatkowa and later passed to her daughter, Vivienne Ruth van Poelgeest, who bequeathed it to the museum in 1976 along with other works. This provenance highlights how private collections can enrich public institutions, preserving personal treasures for broader appreciation. Today, the portrait offers visitors a glimpse into both the artist’s era and the enduring appeal of small-scale oil paintings, which reward patient observation with their refined detail and warm materiality.