Artwork
Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Baroque artist Samuel Cooper. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1940.1204
- Credit line
- The Edward B. Greene Collection
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Woman is a 1646 portrait miniature by Samuel Cooper, an English artist of the 17th century. The work is characterized by its oval shape, small size, and delicate execution.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is an unidentified woman with distinctive curly red-brown hair, dressed in a blue dress, white lace collar, and pearl necklace. Her gentle, softly lit portrayal conveys a sense of quiet dignity.
Technique & Style
Cooper employed soft brushstrokes to capture the subtleties of the subject's face and clothing details, such as the bow on her collar. A plain greenish-gray background and thin gold rim frame the image, enhancing its intimacy.
History & Provenance
Created during Cooper's activity within the broader Flemish Baroque influence, the miniature is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel Cooper (1609 – 5 May 1672), sometimes spelt Samuel Cowper, was an English miniature painter. He was the younger brother of Alexander Cooper.
















