Artwork
Portret van een vrouw
Portret van een vrouw is an ivory painting. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is a monochrome portrait executed on ivory, portraying a woman in profile as she looks to the right.
About this work
Overview
The work is a monochrome portrait executed on ivory, portraying a woman in profile as she looks to the right. She is shown wearing a hat embellished with feathers and a bow, while her hair is arranged in an up‑do. The composition is rendered entirely in black tones against a white background, emphasizing line and contrast.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, creating pronounced contrasts between illuminated and shadowed areas to suggest three‑dimensional form. Varying densities of black ink delineate the folds of the hat, the texture of the feathers, and the contours of the face, producing a sense of volume within the flat ivory support.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait focuses on the sitter’s attire and headwear, elements that signal fashion and status in the period. The careful rendering of the feathered hat and decorative bow highlights the importance of personal adornment, while the profile pose follows a longstanding tradition of presenting identity through silhouette.
History & Provenance
The piece is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Its acquisition details are recorded by the museum, where it remains on display as an example of ivory portraiture employing strong tonal contrast.
Artist & collection
