Artwork

Portrait of Sir Benjamin Bathurst (1638-1704)

Portrait of Sir Benjamin Bathurst (1638-1704), by Unknown, oil, 1692
Portrait of Sir Benjamin Bathurst (1638-1704), by Unknown, oil, 1692

Portrait of Sir Benjamin Bathurst (1638-1704) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1692 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. The Portrait of Sir Benjamin Bathurst is incorrectly named, as the subject is a woman.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Sir Benjamin Bathurst is incorrectly named, as the subject is a woman. The painting is an oil on canvas work depicting a female figure.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows a woman with light brown hair, wearing a dark dress and a high lace collar, holding a yellow fan. The identity of the subject is unclear, but her attire suggests a 17th-century origin.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect, particularly around the subject's cheekbones and neck. Shadows are used to add depth to the face.

Context

The use of chiaroscuro and the style of the subject's clothing are consistent with portraiture of the late 17th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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