Portrait of Sebastiana Merklein (Retrato de Sebastiana Merclein)

Portrait of the painter's wife, Sebastiana Merklein y Salillas, who was the daughter of Flemish painter Juan Andrés Merklein and Gregoria Salillas from Zaragoza.
Francisco Bayeu depicts his wife expressively at an advanced age, with features revealing her Germanic heritage. She is wearing a simple dress and has a long cape draped over her shoulders.
The painting uses open brushwork, and the subject's hair is expertly handled depicting natural, fluffy curls. Sebastiana's strength and character can be seen in her eyes which stand out in this superb work.