Portrait of a Woman, Probably Susanna Lunden (Susanna Fourment, 1599–1628)

This portrait captures a woman in a moment of lively spontaneity, her gaze direct and engaging. Her dark eyes sparkle, and a slight, knowing smile plays on her lips, suggesting a private thought or an imminent remark. The rich, dark fur trim of her cloak, rendered with visible brushstrokes, frames her face and draws attention to her delicate features. Her red hat, adorned with a white feather, tilts playfully, adding to the sense of movement and informal elegance. The artist, Peter Paul Rubens, painted this work around 1625, and it is widely believed to depict Susanna Lunden, also known as Susanna Fourment, who was the sister of his second wife. The painting’s intimate scale and vibrant brushwork create a sense of immediate presence, making the viewer feel as though they have just encountered her.