Portrait of Josina Clara van Citters (1671-1753), daughter of Josina Parduyn 1699 - 1706

Godfried Schalcken painted this portrait of Josina Clara van Citters in the Netherlands, sometime in the late 17th century, using oil on panel. Schalcken was known for his portraits and genre scenes, often featuring candlelight. Here, the soft lighting illuminates Josina's face, highlighting her status within Dutch society. Her elaborate hairstyle and the rich blue fabric draped across her shoulders speak to her family's wealth and position. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major economic power, and portraiture served as a way for families to display their success and lineage. The painting's small size suggests it was likely a private commission, intended for personal display rather than public exhibition. Understanding the context of Dutch Golden Age portraiture helps us interpret this image. By researching the Van Citters family and Schalcken’s other works, we can gain deeper insights into the social dynamics reflected in this intimate portrait.