Portrait of Maria van Strijp, by Johannes Verspronck (signed by hand), 1652, oil paint on panel; carrier: height 98 cm x width 76 cm, outer dimension: depth 5.5 cm (carrier incl. SK-L-3165), SK-A-5000 © Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Maria van Strijp came from a wealthy Haarlem family active in the flourishing textile trade. The jewelry and the black dress with abundant lace she is wearing are far more valuable than the painting in which she appears. The decision to have Verspronck paint her portrait was quickly made: he was the specialist in depicting expensive fabrics and jewels.