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Portrait of a Woman, Probably Susanna Lunden (Susanna Fourment, 1599–1628)
Peter Paul Rubens·ca. 1625–27
Historical Context
This portrait, probably of Susanna Fourment (1599-1628), painted around 1625-27, depicts the older sister of Helena Fourment, who would become Rubens's second wife. The famous "Straw Hat" (actually felt) portrait has become one of the most admired portraits in European art. The painting's remarkable vitality and the play of sunlight on the young woman's face have made it an icon of Baroque portraiture and a touchstone for discussions of light in painting.
Technical Analysis
The portrait is a masterclass in rendering outdoor light on flesh, with subtle warm-cool transitions across the face. The hat creates dramatic shadows that frame the luminous features, and Rubens's fluid brushwork captures the immediacy of a sunlit encounter.
Look Closer
- ◆The wide-brimmed hat casts a soft shadow across the upper face, creating an intimate, almost coquettish effect as the sitter looks out from beneath its brim
- ◆The low neckline and exposed décolletage were daringly informal for a portrait of this period, suggesting personal rather than public display
- ◆The feathery, rapid brushwork in the hair and hat contrasts with the more carefully modeled face, creating a sense of movement and life
- ◆The identification as Susanna Lunden (Helena Fourment's sister) remains debated — Rubens clearly knew and admired the sitter intimately
Condition & Conservation
This portrait has been extensively studied and is generally in excellent condition. The luminous flesh painting and lively brushwork are well-preserved. Some darkening in the background has occurred. The painting's identification and dating have been subjects of scholarly debate, with conservation examination providing technical evidence.
