Artwork
Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a Young Woman is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Arent de Gelder. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
This oil-on-canvas painting depicts a young woman with a direct, engaging gaze and relaxed, informal pose, blurring the line between portrait and character study.
Subject & Meaning
The subject's parted lips and subtly extended right hand convey a sense of vivacity and approachability. Her fanciful, non-formal attire and casual stance distinguish the work from traditional portraiture, suggesting a character study - a format allowing artists to explore personality without specific sitters.
Technique & Style
The painting features richly textured surfaces and psychological depth, achieved through techniques likely influenced by Rembrandt van Rijn, such as glazing, which Aert de Gelder mastered during his apprenticeship around 1660.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Aert de Gelder, one of Rembrandt's last students (active around 1660), the painting reflects de Gelder's continued use of Rembrandt's methods long after his teacher's heyday.
Context
Character studies like this were marketed freely on the open art market, commanding lower prices than commissioned portraits, catering to a broader clientele.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Aert de Gelder (Dutch: ; October 26, 1645 – August 27, 1727) was a Dutch painter, the only Dutch artist to paint in the tradition of Rembrandt's late style into the 18th century.
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