Artwork

Young Lady

Young Lady, by Unknown, 1736
Young Lady, by Unknown, 1736

Young Lady is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Young Lady is a black‑and‑white photographic image attributed to the artist identified as 37791_person, dated to around 1736. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and presents a single figure against an unadorned dark backdrop, drawing attention to the subject’s attire and expression.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a youthful individual dressed in a high‑collared white shirt trimmed with lace, whose puffed sleeves are patterned and secured at the shoulder by a modest flower brooch. The composition suggests a formal or ceremonial presentation, emphasizing the elegance of the clothing rather than a narrative scene.

Technique & Style

Rendered in monochrome, the image relies on tonal contrast to model the lace, fabric texture, and the delicate brooch. The stark background eliminates distractions, while the chiaroscuro‑like shading enhances the three‑dimensionality of the figure, evoking the aesthetic of early portrait photography.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1736, the photograph entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it remains catalogued under the accession number associated with the artist’s identifier. No further ownership changes are recorded in the museum’s documentation.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known