Artwork
Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a Young Woman is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Cornelis de Vos. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Created in 1627 by Cornelis de Vos, the painting functions as a formal portrait rather than a narrative scene with complex allegorical layers.
The work depicts a single female subject, identified primarily as a woman, holding a hand fan. Created in 1627 by Cornelis de Vos, the painting functions as a formal portrait rather than a narrative scene with complex allegorical layers. The inclusion of the hand fan serves as a specific attribute within the composition, distinguishing the sitter's presentation.
As a genre work classified strictly as a portrait, the piece focuses on the realistic representation of the individual rather than conveying broader symbolic meanings or mythological references. The subject is presented in a manner consistent with the artist's approach to portraiture during this period, emphasizing the identity and presence of the woman as the central element of the image.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1627 by Cornelis de Vos, this portrait is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures approximately 118.1 cm in height and 94.6 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a formal portrait depicting a young woman who holds a hand fan, a specific attribute included in the composition.
The application of oil paint on a woven canvas support aligns with standard seventeenth-century Flemish portrait practices. While the sources confirm the medium and dimensions, they do not provide specific details regarding the artist's brushwork, the current physical condition of the surface, or technical handling methods beyond the basic material identification.
History & Provenance
The portrait is dated 1627 and attributed to Cornelis de Vos, placing its creation within the artist’s Antwerp workshop during the 1620s. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the estate of William T. Blodgett, a prominent New York collector whose holdings were dispersed in 1887. The painting’s early provenance traces to Blodgett’s ownership, indicating it was likely acquired in the mid-nineteenth century, though no earlier ownership records are documented in the cited sources.
Context
Portrait of a Young Woman (1627) by Cornelis de Vos is a Baroque oil portrait depicting a young woman holding a hand fan. The work, measuring 118.1 × 94.6 cm, is classified as a portrait and was painted in Antwerp during the early phase of de Vos’s career. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art via the collection of William T. Blodgett, underscoring its recognized significance within Flemish portraiture.
The painting’s composition, material execution, and subject matter reflect contemporary trends in 17th‑century portraiture, positioning it as a representative example of the genre within the artist’s oeuvre and the broader European art market of the period.
Overview
Cornelis de Vos, a prominent Flemish artist based in Antwerp, completed the Portrait of a Young Woman in 1627. This oil painting exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style, showcasing de Vos's skill in capturing individual likenesses. The work depicts an unidentified woman, elegantly dressed and holding a fan, and is now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis de Vos (1584 - 9 May 1651) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and art dealer.
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