Artwork

Portrait of a woman

Portrait of a woman, by Herman Verelst, oil, 1667
Portrait of a woman, by Herman Verelst, oil, 1667

Portrait of a woman is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Herman Verelst. It dates from 1667 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Executed in 1667 by Herman Verelst, this portrait is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 127 cm in height and 104 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the composition focuses on a female subject, adhering to the genre conventions of the period through its use of oil media on a textile support.

History & Provenance

The work titled Portrait of a woman was created by Herman Verelst and completed in 1667. It entered the collection of Jeanne Catherine van Winter-Bicker before being acquired by the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Museum, where it remains on display. The painting is executed in oil on canvas and measures 127 cm by 104 cm.

Overview

Created in 1667, this oil painting by Dutch artist Herman Verelst presents a solitary female sitter. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the portrait conventions of the late‑seventeenth‑century Netherlands. Its composition centers the figure against a muted, indistinct landscape, allowing the subject to dominate the visual field.

Subject & Meaning

The woman is dressed in a sumptuous scarlet gown trimmed with white ruffles at the neckline and sleeves, her hair gathered back and accented by pearl jewelry. One hand rests lightly on her chest while the other holds a modest bouquet, gestures that suggest modesty and refined elegance typical of genteel portraiture of the period.

Context

During the 1660s, Dutch portraiture often highlighted the social status and personal virtues of its subjects through clothing, accessories, and compositional restraint. Verelst’s depiction aligns with this tradition, using luxurious attire and restrained background to convey the sitter’s rank without overt symbolism, reflecting the modest yet affluent bourgeois culture of the Dutch Golden Age.

Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman, Herman Verelst

Artist & collection

Portrait of Herman Verelst

Artist

Herman Verelst

Herman Verelst (1641–1690) was an artist, born in Dordrecht.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a woman?

Portrait of a woman was painted by Herman Verelst in 1667-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a woman?

Portrait of a woman is held by Rijksmuseum.

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.