Portrait of Marie Louise Gonzaga de Nevers

This 1650 portrait of Marie Louise Gonzaga de Nevers depicts the Italian-French noblewoman who became Queen of Poland. Bol's ability to paint distinguished European figures demonstrates his growing reputation beyond Amsterdam's merchant class during the mid-seventeenth century. Ferdinand Bol was one of Rembrandt's most talented pupils, and his portraits and history paintings from his years in the master's studio are sometimes difficult to distinguish from Rembrandt's own work—a testament to his exceptional skill in absorbing the master's technique.

The royal portrait combines Bol's Rembrandtesque warmth with the formal elegance appropriate to the sitter's exalted rank, the rich costume rendered with careful attention to the textures of silk and jewels.