Who painted The Woman with the Pear?

The Woman with the Pear was painted by Ferdinand Bol in 1651.

Where can I see The Woman with the Pear?

The Woman with the Pear is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Woman with the Pear?

The Woman with the Pear is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Woman with the Pear

Ferdinand Bol , 1651

The Woman with the Pear is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Woman with the Pear is a 1651 etching by Ferdinand Bol, a Dutch artist known for portraits and historical subjects, who trained under Rembrandt.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a solitary woman in exotic, dark attire holding a pear, an object often symbolizing temptation or virtue in 17th-century Dutch art. Her downward gaze and gentle grasp of the pear suggest quiet contemplation, inviting reflection on her emotions.

Technique & Style

Characteristic of the Baroque movement, the work features dramatic lighting and intense emotional depth. The detailed, shaded rendering of the pear contrasts with the woman's subtle, shadowed expression, emphasizing somber introspection.

History & Provenance

Created in 1651 by Ferdinand Bol, a Rembrandt pupil, the etching reflects Bol's adherence to his master's penchant for elaborate figures, albeit in a more subdued, contemplative context.

Context

Within the broader Dutch art scene of the 17th century, The Woman with the Pear aligns with themes of moral symbolism (as seen in the pear motif) and the Baroque emphasis on emotional intensity, though here expressed in restrained, solitary form.

Legacy

As a work by a Rembrandt pupil, The Woman with the Pear contributes to the understanding of artistic lineage and influence in 17th-century Dutch printmaking, showcasing Bol's interpretation of Baroque themes in a more subdued key.