An elderly woman counting coins

Although little is known of Jacques des Rousseaux’s early life, he is thought to have spent time in the studio of Rembrandt van Rijn around 1628. During his training, he learned to closely reproduce his master’s tronies, characterful studies of expression not meant to capture likeness, which on occasion functioned as allegories. The carefully observed wrinkles of the woman’s face and hands, as well as the muted palette of the present painting both reflect the lasting influence that Rembrandt's studio had on des Rousseaux. Werner Sumowski (loc. cit.), who dated the work to 1635, gave it the title of ‘Allegory of Avarice’. Prior to this, the painting had been called ‘Le Changeur’ (The Money-Changer) when it appeared at auction in France in 1993 (see Provenance). The theme of a woman counting coins would have brought to mind for contemporary viewers the Parable of the Rich Fool. This subject was treated by Rembrandt and his followers, which warns against the dangers of greed and futility of pursuing material wealth, since true riches according to the Gospel lies not in possessions, but in a relationship with God (Luke 12: 13-15).

A nearly identical composition, attributed to Joachim von Sandrart I, appeared at auction in 2000 (Lempertz, Cologne, 20 May 2000, lot 738).