Artwork
Portrait of a woman

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



















