Portrait of a lady in a black dress, with a white cap, ruff and cuffs, holding a book

Historically attributed to the Amsterdam-based portraitist Thomas de Keyser, it is now thought that the present portrait may have been painted by an as yet unidentified artist from Gorinchem or the Delft area. Comparisons with Jacob Gerritsz. Cuyp and Anthonie Palamedesz have also been dismissed. Two elements further complicate the discussion around the attribution; the fact that the monogram and signature appear to have been strengthened, and the existence of a larger version of the portrait (39 x 32 in.; 99.2 x 81.4 cm.), executed on canvas. It was sold from the collection of Ampleforth Abbey at Sotheby's, London, 14 April 2011, lot 87, when it was given to the Dordrecht School, and the sitter identified as Susanna de Wilhelm (1592-1680).

Following firsthand inspection, Drs. Rudi Ekkart and Claire van den Donk Schweigman have tentatively proposed an attribution to Hendrick Cornelisz. van Vliet (Delft 1611⁄12-1675), who was primarily renowned for his church interiors.