Artwork
Old woman
Old woman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Balthasar Denner. It dates from 1721 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
Old Woman is a 1721 oil painting by German portraitist Balthasar Denner, characterized by its precise and detailed rendering of the subject's features.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts an elderly woman with a serious expression, dressed in a white headscarf and fur-trimmed coat, conveying dignity and respectability. Her stern gaze and deep wrinkles suggest a sense of gravitas.
Technique & Style
Denner's use of chiaroscuro creates a striking contrast between light and dark, emphasizing the subject's face. The artist's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of fine facial features and subtle textures.
History & Provenance
The painting is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a testament to its enduring significance. Denner was known to collaborate with other artists or his daughter on clothing and accessories, while focusing on the face.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar Denner (15 November 1685 – 14 April 1749) was a German painter, highly regarded as a portraitist.
