Old Woman Reading, Probably the Prophetess Anna — History & Facts
Here the light comes from behind the old woman: the brightest illumination falls on the book and her wrinkled hand, modelled with paint. Her face remains in shadow. She could be the prophetess Anna, an elderly widow who, according to the Bible, served God through fasting and prayer.
Tradition has it that Rembrandt’s mother posed for this painting.
More Artworks by Rembrandt van Rijn
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The Night Watch Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Return of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Hundred Guilder Print: the figures leaning on the wall in the centre left
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching, the plate arched
Rembrandt van Rijn
Isaac and Rebecca, Known as ‘The Jewish Bride’
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Mill
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers’ Guild, Known as ‘The Syndics’
Rembrandt van Rijn
The return of the prodigal son
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching, the plate arched
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Hundred Guilder Print: the man seen on the back in the lower left corner
Rembrandt van Rijn
More Religious Art
Browse all →The Return of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Garden of Earthly Delights
El Bosco
Count Orgaz’ funeral
El Greco
The Hundred Guilder Print: the central piece with Christ preaching, the plate arched
Rembrandt van Rijn
The Descent from the Cross
Rogier van der Weyden
The return of the prodigal son
Rembrandt van Rijn