Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Hans Holbein the Younger, unspecified, 1532
Portrait of a Woman, by Hans Holbein the Younger, unspecified, 1532

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Hans Holbein the Younger. It dates from 1532 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

This 1532 painting, Portrait of a Woman, is the work of Hans Holbein the Younger, a prominent portraitist of the Northern Renaissance.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman dressed in dark attire with a white headscarf and collar, holding a folded cloth and wearing a simple gold ring. Her serious expression is accentuated by the artist's use of light and shadow.

Technique & Style

The painting showcases Holbein's precise attention to detail and refined composition, characteristic of his work. The contrast between light and dark, particularly on the subject's face and hands, creates a sense of depth.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection. Created during Holbein's time working primarily in England, it exemplifies his style during this period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hans Holbein the Younger

Artist

Hans Holbein the Younger

Hans Holbein the Younger (UK: HOL-byne, US: HOHL-byne, HAWL-; German: Hans Holbein der Jüngere; c.