Artwork
Portrait of a Woman with a Lace Collar
Portrait of a Woman with a Lace Collar is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The Portrait of a Woman with a Lace Collar is rendered in oil paint on a wooden panel, measuring about 74.
The Portrait of a Woman with a Lace Collar is rendered in oil paint on a wooden panel, measuring about 74.6 cm high and 60.3 cm wide. Created in 1632 by Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt, the work belongs to the portrait genre. The sources do not specify the artist’s brushwork, layering, or any particular handling technique, nor do they describe the current condition of the support or paint surface.
Consequently, details regarding the painting’s technique, materials beyond oil on panel, support preparation, handling, and condition remain undocumented in the provided references.
History & Provenance
The Portrait of a Woman with a Lace Collar was created in 1632 by the Dutch artist Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt. Executed in oil paint on a panel support, the work measures 74.6 centimeters in height and 60.3 centimeters in width. The painting currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While the specific patron who commissioned the portrait is not identified in the available records, the work was completed during the final year of the artist's life. The piece depicts an unidentified woman characterized by a prominent lace collar, a hallmark of high-status portraiture from the Dutch Golden Age. The artwork's provenance leads directly to its present location within the museum's holdings, where it is classified as a significant example of early 17th-century portraiture.
Overview
Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt, a prominent Dutch painter, created this oil portrait in 1632. Titled Portrait of a Woman with a Lace Collar, the work exemplifies his skill in depicting individuals from the affluent society of the Dutch Golden Age. This period was characterized by significant artistic and economic flourishing in the Netherlands, making portraiture a highly sought-after genre.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a woman with a composed expression, her gaze directed outward toward the viewer. Her hair is neatly arranged, framing a face that conveys quiet dignity. She is attired in a dark gown, typical of the era, distinguished by an intricate lace collar and matching cuffs.
This elaborate fashion detail, along with her overall presentation, indicates her status as a member of the elite Dutch society during the early 17th century.
Context
This portrait is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, a period from roughly 1588 to 1672 marked by exceptional prosperity and cultural output in the Netherlands. During this era, a burgeoning merchant class fueled a demand for art, particularly portraits that affirmed social standing. Van Mierevelt was a leading practitioner of this genre, capturing the likenesses of many prominent citizens.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where this work resides, houses a significant collection of art from this influential period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Michiel Janszoon (abbr. Jansz.) van Mierevelt (Dutch pronunciation:; also spelled Miereveld or Miereveldt; 1 May 1566 – 27 June 1641) was a Dutch painter and draftsman of the Dutch Golden Age.
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