Artwork

Portrait of a woman

Portrait of a woman, by Frans Hals, oil, 1627
Portrait of a woman, by Frans Hals, oil, 1627

Portrait of a woman is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Frans Hals. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

This oil-on-canvas painting, created by Frans Hals in 1627, is a portrait of an unidentified woman seated in a chair. It is now held at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted wearing dark blue attire with a white collar and cap, holding a white cloth. The identity of the sitter remains unknown, making it difficult to determine the intended pendant portrait.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved a three-dimensional effect on the subject's face through the use of soft shadows and highlights, creating a sense of realism. The plain dark background serves to focus attention on the sitter's face and clothing.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Frans Hals

Artist

Frans Hals

Frans Hals the Elder (UK: , US: ; Dutch: ; c. 1582 – 26 August 1666) was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He lived and worked in Haarlem, a city in which the local authority of the day frowned on religious painting in places…