Artwork

Portrait of a Young lady

Portrait of a Young lady, by Govert Flinck, paint, 1641
Portrait of a Young lady, by Govert Flinck, paint, 1641

Portrait of a Young lady is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Govert Flinck. It dates from 1641 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Govert Flinck’s portrait, dated 1641, presents a young woman rendered in oil on canvas. The work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it is displayed among other Dutch Golden Age paintings. The composition focuses tightly on the sitter, offering a concise yet detailed representation typical of mid‑seventeenth‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is a youthful lady with dark hair, dressed in a dark gown accented by a white lace collar. She is shown from the waist upward, looking directly at the viewer with a composed, neutral expression. The subdued pose and attire suggest a private commission, emphasizing personal status and modest elegance rather than overt symbolism.

Technique & Style

Flinck employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using a dark background to isolate the sitter and enhance the modeling of her face and clothing. The delicate rendering of the lace collar and the subtle gradations of light across the fabric demonstrate a careful handling of texture. The overall effect is a realistic, three‑dimensional presence achieved through controlled contrast.

History & Provenance

Created in 1641, the portrait entered the Gemäldegalerie’s holdings in the early twentieth century, though earlier ownership records are limited. Its presence in Berlin’s collection situates it within a broader assembly of Dutch works, allowing comparative study with contemporaries of Flinck and illustrating the artist’s role in the post‑Rembrandt generation.

Portrait of a young woman
Portrait of a young woman, Anthonie Palamedesz

Artist & collection

Portrait of Govert Flinck

Artist

Govert Flinck

Govert Flinck (1615–1660) was a Dutch artist, born in Kleve.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a Young lady?

Portrait of a Young lady was painted by Govert Flinck in 1641.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young lady?

Portrait of a Young lady is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of a Young lady?

Portrait of a Young lady is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Young lady?

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