: At various times, she has been romanticized as a "Jewish bride," a courtesan, or a biblical heroine. Most modern historians lean toward her being a servant girl, though her gold chains and "fantasy" clothing complicate this simple label. Breaking the Fourth Wall: Relationships with the Viewer
The identity of the girl in the 1645 painting is a subject of centuries-old speculation, with theories often linking her to Rembrandt’s personal life: Sexy Girl (1645) mp4
: Many scholars have suggested the girl is Hendrickje Stoffels , Rembrandt’s longtime partner after the death of his first wife. However, Hendrickje would have been roughly 19 in 1645, leading some to argue the model appears too young. : At various times, she has been romanticized
The painting is famous for its effect, which creates a unique interactive "storyline" for whoever observes it: Rembrandt, Girl at a Window However, Hendrickje would have been roughly 19 in