Artwork
Portrait of a woman

Portrait of a woman is an ivory painting by the Biedermeier artist Joseph Charles de Haen. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
2 centimeters are characteristic of intimate keepsake portraits designed for private viewing rather than public display.
The miniature depicts a woman, identified as the painting's main subject. Painted on ivory in 1813 by Joseph Charles de Haen, the work belongs to the genre of portraiture, framing the sitter as the sole focus of the small-scale composition. The modest dimensions of 6.3 by 5.2 centimeters are characteristic of intimate keepsake portraits designed for private viewing rather than public display.
As a personal likeness, the portrait is intended to record and preserve the appearance of an individual sitter, a common function of early nineteenth-century ivory miniatures, which served as cherished mementos among family and friends. Beyond this commemorative role, the sources provide no further information about the woman's identity, her attributes, or any symbolic elements within the image.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil on ivory, a miniature support measuring 6.3 × 5.2 cm. The diminutive scale and smooth, non-absorbent surface of the ivory would have demanded exceptionally fine brushwork and controlled handling. As a portrait miniature from 1813, the painting likely exhibits the refined detail and delicate modeling characteristic of the genre, with particular attention to the sitter's facial features and costume. The compact format suggests an intimate, personal object rather than a public display piece.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a woman was created by Joseph Charles de Haen in 1813, executed on ivory as a portrait of a woman. The work is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains located. No further details concerning its commission, prior ownership, or chain of custody are documented in the available sources.
Overview
Portrait of a Woman is an 1813 portrait by Joseph Charles de Haen, executed on a rare ivory medium. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
Context
The use of ivory as a painting medium was uncommon, adding a layer of rarity to the work. The style and subject matter reflect early 19th-century portraiture conventions, emphasizing subtlety and naturalism.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of 'Portrait of a Woman' are not highlighted, its presence in the Rijksmuseum suggests recognition of its artistic and historical value within de Haen's oeuvre and the broader context of early 19th-century European portraiture.
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