Artwork

Portrait of a woman

Portrait of a woman, by Ferdinand Bol, oil, 1655
Portrait of a woman, by Ferdinand Bol, oil, 1655

Portrait of a woman is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1655 by Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol, is a representative work of the Dutch Golden Age. It is a portrait of a woman and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman with a calm and serious expression, dressed in dark attire with a simple white collar. Her pulled-back hair and plain background emphasize her face, conveying a sense of dignity and restraint.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume. Light falls on the subject's collar and forehead, while dark shadows accentuate her facial features, particularly around the eyes and cheeks, creating a sense of depth.

History & Provenance

Ferdinand Bol, a student and follower of Rembrandt, was influenced by his master's style, evident in this portrait. The work is characteristic of Bol's portraiture, which often reflected the style of his teacher.

Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman, Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ferdinand Bol

Artist

Ferdinand Bol

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

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a woman?

Portrait of a woman was painted by Ferdinand Bol in 1655.

Where can I see Portrait of a woman?

Portrait of a woman is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

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.