A portrait of a woman in traditional Laren costume, painted by Martinus van Regteren Altena. This work captures the regional dress and quiet dignity of rural Dutch life.

This portrait by Martinus van Regteren Altena captures a woman from the Laren region of the Netherlands, dressed in traditional attire. The subject is depicted in a seated position, holding a small, leather-bound book. Her clothing is characteristic of the local costume, featuring a white lace cap with distinct side wings, a dark, textured jacket, and a prominent coral necklace. A gold cross hangs from a delicate chain, resting against her dark bodice.

The artist employs a restrained palette, focusing on the contrast between the dark tones of the clothing and the pale, luminous quality of the lace cap. The background is muted, suggesting a domestic interior with a cabinet or shelving unit, which keeps the focus firmly on the sitter. The brushwork is precise, capturing the varied textures of the lace, the smooth surface of the coral beads, and the worn leather of the book.

Martinus van Regteren Altena was associated with the Laren School, a group of artists who settled in the Gooi region during the late nineteenth century. These painters often documented the rural life and customs of the local population. This work reflects the interest in regional identity and the preservation of traditional dress that occupied many painters of the period. The sitter's expression is calm and direct, providing a sense of individual character within the broader context of regional ethnographic documentation. The composition is balanced, using the vertical lines of the background and the sitter's posture to create a stable, dignified image. This print offers a clear view of the historical costume and the technical approach of the Laren School, suitable for those interested in Dutch regional history and portraiture.