Who painted Portrait of a Lady?

Portrait of a Lady was painted by Unknown in 1550.

Where can I see Portrait of a Lady?

Portrait of a Lady is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Portrait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1550, the black‑and‑white portrait known as Portrait of a Lady is attributed to the artist identified as 38131_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑sixteenth‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a woman whose face is framed by a broad white collar and an ornate headpiece featuring lace‑like motifs. Her hair is gathered back, and she gazes directly at the viewer with a composed, unembellished expression, suggesting a focus on status and personal bearing rather than narrative context.

Technique & Style

Executed in a smooth, even application of paint, the portrait lacks visible brushwork, giving the surface a refined finish. A dark, uniform background isolates the sitter, allowing subtle tonal contrasts to model her features. The composition relies on chiaroscuro principles, using light to define form without overt modeling.

History & Provenance

The work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains catalogued under its title and the artist’s identifier. No further documentation of prior ownership or exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.