Open full image Pin

A young Woman at her Toilet: 'Pride'

Jacques de l'Ange

1642

oil

copper

From the collection of Ashmolean Museum

Flemish Baroque painting Baroque Allegory

Dominant colour

A young Woman at her Toilet: 'Pride' is a 1642 oil by Jacques de l'Ange, a Flemish Baroque painting work, held at Ashmolean Museum.

Who painted this?: Jacques de l'Ange
When & what style?: 1642 · Flemish Baroque painting
Where can I see it?: Ashmolean Museum

About this work

This painting shows a young woman in a lavish dress, standing in front of a mirror. She is holding a comb and looking at her reflection. A small, devil-like creature is peeking over her shoulder, watching her. The woman's dress is intricately detailed, with folds and creases that suggest a sense of movement. The mirror's frame is ornate, with carvings and patterns that add to the overall sense of luxury. The creature's presence adds a sense of tension to the scene, as if it is trying to tempt the woman into vanity. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The contrast between light and dark adds to the overall sense of drama and tension. You can learn more about the use of chiaroscuro by looking up the technique.

About the artist

Artist

Jacques de l'Ange

Jacques de l'Ange or the Monogrammist JAD (c. 1621 – 1650) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman known for his genre scenes and history paintings executed in a Caravaggesque style. The artist was only rediscovered in…

See the richer artist page