Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Jan van Ravesteyn, unspecified, 1624
Portrait of a Woman, by Jan van Ravesteyn, unspecified, 1624

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Jan van Ravesteyn. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This portrait depicts a woman wearing a dark dress, a prominent white lace collar, and an elaborate gold necklace.

About this work

Overview

This portrait depicts a woman wearing a dark dress, a prominent white lace collar, and an elaborate gold necklace. The image has undergone restoration, with reconstructed areas in the collar and necklace visible upon close inspection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject's identity and the portrait's symbolic elements, such as the ornate collar and necklace, are not specified, focusing attention on the sitter's enigmatic presence and the artist's technical prowess.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro to create depth, juxtaposing light and dark. The lace collar features intricate, realistic details achieved through tiny loops and shadows, while the necklace's twisting form mimics three-dimensional metalwork.

History & Provenance

The painting's past includes earlier restorations, which were removed during conservation. Insufficient evidence prevented the reconstruction of a probable ornament at the back of the sitter's head, with conservators opting against speculative additions.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Ravesteyn

Artist

Jan van Ravesteyn

Jan Anthoniszoon (abbr. Anthonisz.) van Ravesteyn (c. 1572 – buried 21 June 1657) was a successful portrait painter to the Dutch court in The Hague.

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