Artwork

Portrait of a woman

Portrait of a woman, by Jan van Eyck, paint
Portrait of a woman, by Jan van Eyck, paint

Portrait of a woman is a paint painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Eyck. It is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

This painting is a portrait of a woman attributed to Jan van Eyck, a pioneering figure in Early Northern Renaissance art. The work is executed in paint and is held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a woman sitting with her hands clasped together, wearing a white head covering and a loose-fitting robe. Her neutral expression and formal attire suggest a dignified subject, though her identity remains unknown.

Technique & Style

The painting showcases a realistic style, with intricate details in the woman's clothing, head covering, and the folds of her robe. The artist's attention to texture and subtlety of expression is evident in the rendering of the subject.

History & Provenance

Dated to around 1430-1440, though previously thought to be from c. 1550, the portrait is associated with Jan van Eyck, who was active in Bruges during the early 15th century. The work is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Eyck

Artist

Jan van Eyck

Jan van Eyck was a sharp-eyed observer who spent his life in the Low Countries, painting what he saw with almost eerie precision.

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