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Portrait of a Young Woman as Portia Catonis

Unknown

1550

unspecified

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Portrait

Dominant colour

Portrait of a Young Woman as Portia Catonis is a 1550 unspecified by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1550
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This painting shows a woman in a bright red, gold-embroidered dress with puffy sleeves. Her collar is stiff and white, and she wears earrings. One hand holds a small dark object, while the other rests on her chest. The background is plain and dark, keeping all focus on her. The embroidery on her sleeves looks detailed, like tiny jewels stitched on. The artist used soft lighting to make her face stand out against the shadowy backdrop. Look up *chiaroscuro* to see how this lighting trick works.