The portraits of Rembrandt have been described as ‘character studies,’ and Young Girl is a perfect example. Her eyes do not meet the viewer’s; her clothes and hairstyle are very understated; she has been caught with only one sleeve is rolled up.Portraits like this are intriguing to view because they leave the sitter’s situation to the viewer’s imagination. What brought this girl to the door? Perhaps she went to the door to show her red necklaces to passersby. She was so excited, she didn’t realize her sleeves were uneven. Going outside would've been too vain, but she did wish to be admired, so she stood squarely in the doorway, looking furtively for attentive eyes.
Were she just coming to the door to look outside, both hands would rest as the right hand does. But the left, placed so prominently in the light by the artist, rests on its side, as if she is considering resting her forearm for a moment, delighting in being seen.
