Artwork
Allegory of Vanity
Allegory of Vanity is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Joachim von Sandrart the Elder. It dates from 1642 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Allegory of Vanity is a 1642 oil painting by Joachim von Sandrart the Elder, now held at the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a richly dressed woman holding a feather and gazing into a mirror, observed by a young boy. A shadowy figure looms behind them. The mirror and feather are symbols commonly associated with vanity in traditional art.
Technique & Style
The artist employs chiaroscuro, a lighting technique that creates strong contrasts between light and dark, to make the figures stand out against the dark background. The woman's red dress and white lace are highlighted, drawing attention to her.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Joachim von Sandrart the Elder
Joachim von Sandrart the Elder (1606–1688) was a German artist, born in Frankfurt.
Bildnis einer Frau (?)
Odysseus and Nausikaä
Portrait of Hendrick Bicker (1615-1651)
Officers of the militia of departmetn XIX in Amsterdam under the command of Cornelis Bicker and Frederick van Banchem, ready to receive Maria de' Medici in 1638
Pieter Cornelisz Hooft (1581-1647). High bailiff of Muiden, historian and poet
Portrait of Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, Bailiff of Muiden, Historian and Poet
Portrait of Pieter Cornelis Hooft (1581-1647), High bailiff of Muiden, historian and poet
Die mystische Vermählung der hl. Katharina (Kopie nach)
A young Woman at her Toilet: 'Pride'
Fire and Light (A Girl Places a Candle in a Lantern and a Boy Blows on the Coals in a Chafing-Dish)
A girl putting a candle in a lantern and a boy testing the fire in a footwarmer
Toaleta Esterei
Concert
Lacemaker
The Penitent Saint Mary Magdalene
Junge Frau mit brennender Kerze
The Miracle of Roses (The Miracle of St Cita)
Before the Ball
Fiddler
Concert