Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting. It dates from 1540 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a genre portrait, the piece represents the individual likeness of the sitter rather than conveying a broader allegorical meaning or story.

The work is a portrait depicting a single woman, serving as the main subject of the composition. Created in 1540, the painting focuses entirely on the female figure without additional narrative elements or symbolic attributes described in the available records. As a genre portrait, the piece represents the individual likeness of the sitter rather than conveying a broader allegorical meaning or story.

Technique & Style

Created in 1540, this portrait is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel support. The work measures 74.3 cm in height and 57.5 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a formal depiction of a female subject, adhering to the conventions of Netherlandish portraiture from the mid-sixteenth century.

The application of oil medium on panel allows for the detailed rendering characteristic of the period's genre paintings.

History & Provenance

The Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting on panel created in 1540 by a Netherlandish painter. The work depicts a woman and measures 74.3 cm in height by 57.5 cm in width. Current records indicate ownership by Pinakos Inc, with the piece also associated with the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The specific commission details and the complete chain of ownership prior to the current holder are not detailed in the available records.

Overview

This oil painting, titled Portrait of a Woman, captures a female sitter in formal attire. Executed in oil paint, the artwork presents a detailed depiction of the subject, emphasizing her elaborate clothing and the surrounding environment. The composition focuses on her presence, offering a glimpse into the fashion and personal adornments prevalent during the period of its creation.