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Old Woman Cutting Her Nails

ca. 1655–60
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 616
Once well known as a Rembrandt, this large canvas has also been attributed to his pupils Nicolaes Maes (1643–1693) and Abraham van Dijck (ca. 1635–1680). The two artists were closely associated in Dordrecht, the southern Dutch city from which several Rembrandt followers came. Whatever its authorship, the painting must date from about 1655–60. The sewing materials and the act of clipping nails probably suggest domestic virtues of a kind often associated with widowhood. The monumental treatment is unexpected and surely inspired by Rembrandt.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Old Woman Cutting Her Nails
  • Artist: Style of Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn) (Dutch, third quarter 17th century)
  • Date: ca. 1655–60
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 49 5/8 x 40 1/8 in. (126.1 x 101.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.40.609
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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