Artwork

Lady with a Dog

Lady with a Dog, by Unknown, 1650
Lady with a Dog, by Unknown, 1650

Lady with a Dog is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1650, “Lady with a Dog” is a monochrome image attributed to the artist catalogued as 37325_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It presents a solitary female figure cradling a small dog, rendered in stark black‑and‑white tones that emphasize form and contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman in a high‑necked, ruffled blouse and a dark, flowing skirt, holding a relaxed dog close to her chest. Her hair is gathered in curls, and a brooch adorns her neckline. The calm, serious expression on her face, paired with the gentle grip on the animal, suggests a quiet intimacy or a symbolic relationship between the sitter and her companion.

Technique & Style

The image employs a chiaroscuro approach, using soft, diffused lighting to model the figure against a plain, dark background. This contrast of light and shadow accentuates the folds of the clothing and the contours of the woman's face, while the dog is rendered with a similarly subdued tonal range, creating a unified visual focus.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the mid‑17th century and has been identified in museum records as part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. No further documentation of its acquisition or prior ownership is provided, and the artist remains listed under the placeholder designation 37325_person, indicating limited archival information.

Lady with a Dog
Lady with a Dog, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Lady with a Dog?

Lady with a Dog was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Lady with a Dog?

Lady with a Dog is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.