Who painted Portrait of a Girl?

Portrait of a Girl was painted by Carlo Ceresa in 1630.

Where can I see Portrait of a Girl?

Portrait of a Girl is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is Portrait of a Girl?

Portrait of a Girl is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Girl?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Girl are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Girl

Carlo Ceresa , 1630

Portrait of a Girl is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Carlo Ceresa. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1630, this oil painting by Carlo Ceresa depicts a young girl set against a dark backdrop. The figure is rendered with restrained realism, typical of Ceresa’s approach, and features a somber expression, dark clothing accented by a white collar and cuffs, and a modest necklace. The work exemplifies the early Baroque portrait tradition in northern Italy.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a girl of uncertain identity, presented in a dignified yet unadorned manner. Her serious gaze and simple attire suggest a focus on personal character rather than status, aligning with Ceresa’s preference for realistic representation of individuals from the local aristocracy and clergy.

Technique & Style

Ceresa employs oil on canvas to achieve a subtle modeling of flesh and fabric, using muted tones that emphasize the contrast between the illuminated collar and the surrounding darkness. The brushwork is controlled, avoiding theatrical Baroque excess, and the composition reflects a sober, almost austere aesthetic.

History & Provenance

The painting has been part of the Walters Art Museum collection, where it entered through acquisition in the early 20th century. Its provenance prior to that remains limited, though it is consistent with Ceresa’s oeuvre of portraits commissioned by Bergamo’s elite families and ecclesiastical patrons.

Context

Carlo Ceresa worked in the mid‑17th century in the Bergamo region, a peripheral center of the Italian Baroque. While many contemporaries embraced dramatic chiaroscuro, Ceresa favored a more restrained realism, focusing on accurate likenesses and modest presentation, a stance reflected in this portrait.