Who painted Weibliches Bildnis?

Weibliches Bildnis was painted by Cornelis de Vos in 1617.

Where can I see Weibliches Bildnis?

Weibliches Bildnis is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Weibliches Bildnis?

Weibliches Bildnis is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Weibliches Bildnis

Cornelis de Vos , 1617

Weibliches Bildnis is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Cornelis de Vos. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

This black-and-white portrait shows a person with a round face and a wide, ruffled collar.

This black-and-white portrait shows a person with a round face and a wide, ruffled collar. Their hair is pulled back, and they’re wearing a dark, fur-lined garment. The background is plain and dark, focusing all attention on the face.

The ruff collar was a big fashion statement in the 1600s—elaborate and expensive. This painting was made by Cornelis de Vos in 1617.

Next, look up *chiaroscuro* to see how light and shadow create drama in art.

Overview

Weibliches Bildnis is a portrait painting created in 1617 by Cornelis de Vos, a Flemish artist associated with the Flemish Baroque movement. The work is characterized by its somber, dark background, a wide, ruffled collar, and a subject with a round face and pulled-back hair, clad in a dark, fur-lined garment.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait's subject remains unidentified, emphasizing the work's focus on capturing a likeness rather than conveying a specific narrative or symbolism beyond the display of high fashion, as indicated by the elaborate and costly ruff collar, a prominent status symbol in 17th-century Europe.

Technique & Style

De Vos employs chiaroscuro, a technique utilizing strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic depth. This is evident in the sharp illumination of the subject's face against the plain, dark background, drawing the viewer's attention to the facial expression and the intricately rendered ruffled collar.

History & Provenance

Created in 1617, Weibliches Bildnis is part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection. While de Vos often collaborated with prominent artists like Rubens, there is no indication of collaboration on this specific portrait.

Context

As a Flemish Baroque piece, Weibliches Bildnis reflects the period's emphasis on realism and emotional depth. De Vos's specialization in sensitive portraits, including those of children and families, suggests an ability to capture subtle, personal aspects of his subjects.