Artwork
Portrait of a Young Girl
Portrait of a Young Girl is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Young Girl, created circa 1650 by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, deviates from the artist's typical Italianate landscape scenes, instead focusing on a singular portrait. Executed on wood, the work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's artistic flourishing.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a serene young girl with pale skin and dark hair, is portrayed in contemplative stillness. Her attire—a white cap, collar, and dark dress—conveys modesty, while her calm, serious expression and subtle, shadowed eyes invite introspection.
Technique & Style
Van Poelenburgh employs chiaroscuro to achieve a three-dimensional effect, using contrasting light and dark tones to sculpt the girl's face against a plain, dark background, thereby emphasizing her profile.
History & Provenance
Originally created in the early 17th century, the painting is now part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection, associating it with a prominent repository of European art.
Context
Although van Poelenburgh was active in Rome, this work aligns with the broader artistic trends of the Dutch Golden Age, characterized by meticulous detail and expressive use of light.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.
