Artwork
Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit

Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1657 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The medium allows for the detailed rendering of the subject and the still-life elements, characteristic of the portrait genre during this period.
Executed in 1657, this portrait by Ferdinand Bol is realized in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures approximately 80.3 by 66 centimeters. As a formal composition, the painting depicts a young girl, identified as Petronella Elias, positioned with a basket of fruit.
The medium allows for the detailed rendering of the subject and the still-life elements, characteristic of the portrait genre during this period. The combination of the figure and the fruit basket serves as the primary visual focus, utilizing the properties of oil to capture texture and form within the specified dimensions.
History & Provenance
Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit is an oil on canvas portrait painted in 1657 by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. The work measures 80.3 cm by 66 cm and depicts the young sitter holding a basket of fruit. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s records, the painting has been part of the museum’s collection since its acquisition, making the museum the current owner.
No earlier ownership records or commissioning details are documented in the available sources, and the work remains classified as a portrait within the museum’s holdings.
Overview
Ferdinand Bol, a Dutch painter from the 17th century, completed Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit in 1657. This oil painting is a portrait from the Dutch Golden Age, a period characterized by significant cultural and artistic flourishing in the Netherlands. The work depicts a young girl, Petronella Elias, holding a basket filled with various fruits, reflecting a common subject for artists of the era.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait features Petronella Elias, a young girl, looking directly at the viewer with a serene expression. She wears a red dress with a white collar and a gold necklace, her hair neatly pulled back. In her arms, she cradles a basket overflowing with apples, grapes, and other produce.
The inclusion of fruit often symbolized themes such as abundance, fertility, or the transient nature of life, depending on the specific context and period.
Context
Ferdinand Bol was a prominent figure in 17th-century Dutch art, known for his portraits and historical scenes. His artistic development was shaped by his training under Rembrandt, a significant influence on his practice. This painting exemplifies the artistic output of the Dutch Golden Age, a period when portraiture was highly valued and commissioned by a burgeoning merchant class, reflecting the era's rich cultural landscape.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.


















