Artwork

Portrait of an old lady

Portrait of an old lady, by Anthoni Schoonjans, oil, 1696
Portrait of an old lady, by Anthoni Schoonjans, oil, 1696

Portrait of an old lady is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Anthoni Schoonjans. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of an old lady is a 1696 oil painting by Anthoni Schoonjans, a Flemish artist who worked in various European courts. The work is now held in the Alte Pinakothek.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts an elderly woman with a serious expression, dressed in a dark cloak and white collar, holding a fur muff. Her gaze is directed off to the side, creating a contemplative atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Schoonjans employed chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and soft light to accentuate the subject's face against a plain background. The detailed rendering of the fur muff adds texture to the composition.

History & Provenance

Schoonjans was active across Europe, working in courts including Vienna, Copenhagen, and Düsseldorf. His portrait style, as seen in this work, is characteristic of his oeuvre, which spans the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Anthoni Schoonjans

Artist

Anthoni Schoonjans

Anthoni Schoonjans, nicknamed Parhasius (1655 – 13 August 1726) was a Flemish painter known for his portraits as well as his history paintings.