Artwork
Portrait of a Young Woman

Portrait of a Young Woman is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Joachim Beuckelaer. It dates from 1562 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. This oil on panel painting depicts a young woman seated, dressed in elaborate attire.
About this work
Overview
This oil on panel painting depicts a young woman seated, dressed in elaborate attire. The artist, Joachim Beuckelaer, has captured her likeness with attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The subject's identity is unknown, but an inscription near her head indicates she was 24 years old. Her clothing and accessories, including a silver chain and leather gloves, suggest a high social status.
Context
During the mid-16th century, Antwerp's rising merchant class commissioned small-scale portraits to showcase their prosperity. This painting is an example of such a work, characterized by its half-length format and focus on sartorial details.
Technique & Style
Beuckelaer's attention to detail in the subject's clothing is reminiscent of his market scenes, demonstrating his skill in rendering textures and accessories.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Joachim Beuckelaer (c. 1533 – c. 1570/4) was a Flemish painter specialising in market and kitchen scenes with elaborate displays of food and household equipment. His development of the genre of market and kitchen scenes…


















