Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Ferdinand Bol, oil, 1642
Portrait of a Woman, by Ferdinand Bol, oil, 1642

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1642 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

1 cm in width, reflecting the standard format of Dutch portraiture of the period.

The work is an oil painting on canvas. Created in 1642 by Ferdinand Bol, it measures 87.3 cm in height by 71.1 cm in width, reflecting the standard format of Dutch portraiture of the period. The piece belongs to the portrait genre and depicts a woman, rendered with the naturalistic modeling and subdued palette characteristic of seventeenth-century Dutch portraiture. It is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

History & Provenance

Portrait of a Woman was created in 1642 by Ferdinand Bol in oil on canvas, measuring 87.3 by 71.1 centimeters, and depicts a female sitter in the portrait genre. While specific details of the original commission and early ownership are not provided in the available records, the work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The sources do not specify an accession number or an exhibition history for the piece.

Overview

Ferdinand Bol, a Dutch artist from the 17th century, completed Portrait of a Woman in 1642. This oil painting captures an individual during the flourishing period of the Dutch Golden Age. The work is currently held within the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a significant example of portraiture from the era.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a woman adorned in a white cloak, edged with fur, and a distinctive ruffled collar. Her dark hair is styled loosely, complementing a pearl necklace, bracelets, and a green brooch fastened to her garment. She holds her hands clasped before her, conveying a sense of composure and quiet dignity. The detailed rendering of her attire and jewelry suggests her social standing.

Context

Ferdinand Bol was a notable figure in 17th-century Dutch art, recognized for both his portraits and historical narratives. His artistic development was significantly shaped by his training under Rembrandt van Rijn. The influence of his esteemed teacher is discernible in Bol's approach to lighting and psychological depth, contributing to the characteristic intensity found in works like this portrait.

Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman, Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ferdinand Bol

Artist

Ferdinand Bol

Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by Ferdinand Bol in 1642-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Woman?

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