Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by Ferdinand Bol in 1664.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Woman?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Ferdinand Bol , 1664

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1664, this oil on canvas portrait presents a woman positioned within an elegant interior.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1664, this oil on canvas portrait presents a woman positioned within an elegant interior. The work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age’s focus on refined portraiture, showcasing the artist’s skill in rendering texture and atmosphere. It is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and remains a representative example of Ferdinand Bol’s mature output.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown standing before a dark red drapery, dressed in a silvery gown with puffed sleeves, and holding a green cloth. Pearl necklaces, rings, and loose hair add to the sense of affluence, while her steady gaze and composed demeanor convey a calm, self‑assured presence typical of 17th‑century portrait conventions.

Technique & Style

Bol employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing soft illumination to accentuate the woman’s face and hands against a dimmer background. The contrast between the luminous fabric and the shadowed interior creates depth, while the delicate handling of textures—silk, pearls, and the distant landscape—reflects the influence of his former master, Rembrandt, on his palette and brushwork.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its attribution to Ferdinand Bol, a noted pupil of Rembrandt, has been affirmed by stylistic analysis and documentation linking the work to his later period, around the mid‑1660s.

Context

Bol, active as a painter, etcher, and draftsman, produced numerous likenesses for the mercantile and aristocratic classes.

During the mid‑17th century, Dutch portraiture emphasized individual status and domestic elegance. Bol, active as a painter, etcher, and draftsman, produced numerous likenesses for the mercantile and aristocratic classes. This work reflects the period’s taste for subdued yet richly detailed interiors, aligning with broader trends in Dutch art that balanced realism with a measured sense of grandeur.