Old Woman Praying by Matthias Stom. An elderly woman in a fur-trimmed robe sits in deep shadow, her face and hands illuminated by a single candle as she prays with a rosary.

Old Woman Praying

Matthias Stom

1640 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A masterfully lit 17th-century study in devotion, featuring dramatic chiaroscuro and intimate detail.

$129

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Where it works

A grounded artwork with confident presence in a warmer tonal register — brings a composed sense of weight.

Often works in
Library · Study · Living Room
Placement
Reads best as a confident vertical anchor
Walls
Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
Color notes
Charcoal black, Deep burgundy, Rich brown

About the piece

Attributed to Matthias Stom, this striking 1640 painting is a quintessential example of the Dutch Caravaggisti style. A single candle flame serves as the sole light source, casting a warm glow over the wrinkled features and reverent expression of an elderly woman clutching her rosary. The deep shadows and tactile attention to the textures of the fur and aged skin create a compelling, contemplative atmosphere.