Who painted Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman was painted by Joachim Beuckelaer in 1562.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Young Woman?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Young Woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Young Woman

Joachim Beuckelaer , 1562

Portrait of a Young Woman is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Joachim Beuckelaer. It dates from 1562 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1562 by the Flemish artist Joachim Beuckelaer, this oil painting presents a solitary young woman against a deep, muted backdrop. The composition centers on her poised figure, emphasizing her attire and the objects she holds, while the surrounding darkness isolates her presence within the frame.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is depicted wearing a white headscarf, a dark dress trimmed with a white ruffled collar, and holding a book attached to a chain. Her serious expression and direct gaze suggest a dignified, perhaps educated, individual from an affluent background, reflecting the social status conveyed through her clothing and accessories.

Technique & Style

Beuckelaer employs a restrained palette, using chiaroscuro to model the figure against the somber background. The fine rendering of fabric folds, the delicate texture of the headscarf, and the precise depiction of the book demonstrate his skill in oil paint, while the overall composition retains the clarity characteristic of mid‑16th‑century Flemish portraiture.

History & Provenance

The portrait is part of the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Though Beuckelaer is better known for bustling market scenes, this work illustrates his occasional foray into individual portraiture, offering insight into his broader artistic range during his active period in the mid‑1500s.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Joachim Beuckelaer

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…