A portrait of Suzanna Maria Crommelin by Charles Howard Hodges, capturing the refined fashion and portraiture style of the early nineteenth century.

Charles Howard Hodges, a British painter who spent much of his career in the Netherlands, produced this portrait of Suzanna Maria Crommelin around 1810. The work captures the subject in the fashion of the early nineteenth century, wearing a high-waisted gown in a deep shade of green, complemented by a patterned shawl draped over her arm. Her attire includes a lace bonnet and a ruffled collar, which were typical markers of status and modesty for women of the period.

Hodges was a skilled portraitist, known for his ability to render textures and light with precision. In this painting, the contrast between the soft, translucent lace of the bonnet and the heavier fabric of the dress demonstrates his technical control. The background is kept dark and neutral, a common choice in portraiture of the era to direct the viewer's attention to the sitter's face and the details of her clothing. The lighting is soft, creating gentle shadows that define the contours of her features.

Suzanna Maria Crommelin was the wife of Egbert Johannes Koch. The portrait reflects the conventions of Dutch bourgeois portraiture during the Napoleonic era, where sitters were often depicted with a sense of quiet dignity. Hodges, having moved to Amsterdam in 1792, became a member of the local artistic community and was frequently commissioned by the elite to document their likenesses. This piece remains a clear example of his approach to portraiture, focusing on the individual while adhering to the aesthetic standards of the time. The composition is balanced, with the sitter positioned slightly off-centre, providing a natural and composed appearance. The fine detail in the lace and the subtle colour palette contribute to the overall realism of the work.