Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Frans van der Mijn, oil, 1748
Portrait of a Woman, by Frans van der Mijn, oil, 1748

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Frans van der Mijn. It dates from 1748 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Woman is a 1748 oil painting by Frans van der Mijn, featuring a female subject prominently displayed against a muted background, with a vibrant red dress as the central visual element.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a woman in formal, ornate attire, adorned with jewelry and holding a bouquet, conveying an impression of elegance and refinement. Her expression and the overall composition suggest a sense of calm dignity.

Technique & Style

Van der Mijn employs chiaroscuro, juxtaposing the brightly lit, red-dressed figure against a soft, dark landscape background, emphasizing the subject through strategic use of light and shadow. The artist's brushwork details the intricate textures of the dress, jewelry, and hair.

History & Provenance

Created in 1748, the painting is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, though specific details about the subject's identity or the work's history prior to its acquisition are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work reflects 18th-century European portraiture trends, where subjects were often depicted in luxurious attire to signify social status. The use of chiaroscuro was a common technique during this period to add depth and emphasize the subject.

Artist & collection

Artist

Frans van der Mijn

Frans van der Mijn (1719–1783) was an artist, born in Düsseldorf.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.