Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Michael Dahl, oil, 1707
Portrait of a Woman, by Michael Dahl, oil, 1707

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Michael Dahl. It dates from 1707 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1707 by Swedish artist Michael Dahl, is a representative example of early 18th-century portraiture. It is held in the State Hermitage Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene woman seated in a chair, holding a basket of flowers. Her calm expression and contemplative posture evoke a sense of quiet reflection. The subject's gaze is directed off to the side, adding to the enigmatic nature of the portrait.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing attention to the subject's face and the flowers. The light-colored dress and green shawl are rendered in a decorative style characteristic of the Rococo movement, while the dark background with foliage adds a sense of atmosphere.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Michael Dahl

Artist

Michael Dahl

Michael Dahl (1656/1659 – 20 October 1743) was a Swedish painter who specialised in portrait painting and spent most of his career in England.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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