Artwork
Portret van een jonge vrouw
Portret van een jonge vrouw is an ivory painting. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. A small oval portrait rendered on ivory depicts a young woman with light curls, a gentle smile, and modest attire.
About this work
Overview
A small oval portrait rendered on ivory depicts a young woman with light curls, a gentle smile, and modest attire. The composition is intimate, focusing on her face and upper shoulders, and the ivory support lends a subtle translucency to the delicate palette.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is presented in a white dress with a lace‑trimmed collar and a matching cap edged in ribbons, suggesting modesty and perhaps a middle‑class status. A simple cross pendant rests at her throat, indicating a Christian affiliation, while the earrings add a modest decorative touch.
Technique & Style
Executed with fine, layered shading, the artist achieves a warm, lifelike glow on the woman's complexion. The use of ivory as a support softens the colors, creating a slightly muted effect that enhances the portrait’s delicate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The work is identified as a painting on ivory, a medium popular for miniature portraiture in the 17th and 18th centuries, though no specific artist or date is recorded in the provided information.
Artist & collection
