Artwork
Portrait of a Lady at the Table with Music
Portrait of a Lady at the Table with Music is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Eglon van der Neer. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Eglon van der Neer, a Dutch artist active in the mid‑17th century, painted *Portrait of a Lady at the Table with Music* circa 1650. Executed in oil on canvas, the work belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is now part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows a solitary woman seated at a table, her attention fixed on a sheet of music she holds. She wears a black coat with a white collar, a red skirt, and a dark hat, while a candle and scattered scores illuminate the scene. A dimly lit bed appears behind her, suggesting a private interior space.
Technique & Style
Van der Neer employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using strong contrasts between the candlelight and the surrounding darkness. The rendering of fabric folds and the delicate handling of the music paper demonstrate his careful observation of texture and light, creating a sense of three‑dimensional presence.
History & Provenance
Created around 1650, the painting remained in private hands before entering the State Hermitage Museum, where it is displayed as an example of Dutch portraiture from the period. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader collection of 17th‑century European art.
Context
During the Dutch Golden Age, genre scenes and intimate portraits of well‑dressed individuals were popular, reflecting the era’s rising middle class and interest in domestic life. Van der Neer’s focus on a musically engaged lady aligns with contemporary tastes for cultured, refined subjects.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Eglon van der Neer (1635/36 – 3 May 1703) was a Dutch painter of historical scenes, portraits and elegant, fashionable people, and later of landscapes.
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