Artwork

Portrait of a young woman

Portrait of a young woman, by Suze Robertson, oil, 1900
Portrait of a young woman, by Suze Robertson, oil, 1900

Portrait of a young woman is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Suze Robertson. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The modest scale and intimate framing focus attention on the subject’s individuality, suggesting a personal portrait rather than a commissioned likeness.

The painting depicts a solitary woman presented in three-quarter view, her gaze directed slightly away from the viewer. Robertson’s restrained palette and attentive rendering emphasize the sitter’s quiet introspection rather than overt emotion, aligning with late nineteenth-century Dutch portrait conventions that favored psychological presence over narrative incident. The modest scale and intimate framing focus attention on the subject’s individuality, suggesting a personal portrait rather than a commissioned likeness.

In this context, the work can be read as a study of modern subjectivity, where inner life is conveyed through understated gesture and subdued color.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1898, this portrait by Suze Robertson is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 32.3 cm in height and 26.2 cm in width. Classified as a portrait genre piece, the composition depicts a single female subject.

The application of oil paint on a woven canvas support represents the standard materials utilized by the artist for this specific creation.

History & Provenance

The oil painting titled Portrait of a young woman was created by the Dutch artist Suze Robertson in 1898. Executed on canvas, the work measures 32.3 cm in height and 26.2 cm in width. The piece is currently held within the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is cataloged as a portrait depicting a woman.

No further details regarding the specific commission, original owner, or the precise chain of custody prior to its museum acquisition are provided in the available records.

Overview

Created in 1900 by Dutch painter Suze Robertson, this oil portrait presents a young woman in profile, her gaze directed downward. The composition is dominated by a dark, almost monochrome background that isolates the figure, allowing the subtle coloration of her skin and the texture of her hair to become the focal point. The work belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s permanent collection.

Context

Suze Robertson was a member of the Amsterdamse Joffers, a group of female artists active in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who pursued a modern approach within a traditionally conservative art scene. This portrait exemplifies the post‑impressionist tendencies of the period, merging expressive brushwork with a restrained color scheme to convey personal mood over decorative detail.

Cap de țigancă
Cap de țigancă, Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpăna

Artist & collection

Portrait of Suze Robertson

Artist

Suze Robertson

Suze Robertson (17 December 1855 – 18 October 1922) was a Dutch painter. She belonged to a group of artists known as the Amsterdamse Joffers.

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 young woman?

Portrait of a young woman was painted by Suze Robertson in 1898-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a young woman?

Portrait of a young woman is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of a young woman?

Portrait of a young woman is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a young woman?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a young woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.