Who painted Half-length portrait of a woman?

Half-length portrait of a woman was painted by Jacob Adriaensz Backer in 1638.

Where can I see Half-length portrait of a woman?

Half-length portrait of a woman is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Half-length portrait of a woman?

Half-length portrait of a woman is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Half-length portrait of a woman

Jacob Adriaensz Backer , 1638

Half-length portrait of a woman is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob Adriaensz Backer. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1638 by Dutch artist Jacob Adriaensz Backer, this half‑length portrait presents a seated woman rendered in restrained tones. The work belongs to the Dutch Golden Age, a period noted for its focus on realistic representation and subtle psychological insight. It is currently part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown turned slightly away from the viewer, dressed in a dark, modest gown trimmed with delicate lace at the neckline and cuffs. A simple necklace with an attached brooch rests at her throat, suggesting a status of quiet refinement. The composition emphasizes the individual's calm demeanor rather than narrative content.

Technique & Style

Backer employs a delicate chiaroscuro to model the figure, allowing light to fall on the face and upper chest while the surrounding space recedes into darkness. This contrast creates a gentle three‑dimensionality, highlighting cheekbones and the line of the collarbone. The brushwork is smooth, with careful attention to the texture of lace and hair.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings in the early 20th century, having passed through several private collections after Backer’s death. Documentation traces its ownership back to Dutch collectors in the 18th century, reflecting the work’s continued appreciation among connoisseurs of 17th‑century portraiture.

Context

Backer’s career, spanning roughly two decades, produced about 140 works across portraiture, religious scenes, and mythological subjects. His style shows the influence of contemporaries such as Wybrand de Geest, Peter Paul Rubens, and Abraham Bloemaert, blending Dutch realism with a subtle Baroque sensibility that is evident in this intimate portrait.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacob Adriaensz Backer

Jacob Adriaensz Backer (1608 – 27 August 1651) was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He produced about 140 paintings in twenty years, including portraits, religious subjects, and mythological paintings. In his style, he was…