Artwork
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Michiel Nouts. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This 1656 painting depicts a seated woman in a dark chair, turned slightly to the left.
About this work
The way light falls on her face and hands feels deliberate, like the painter wanted you to notice those small details.
A woman sits in a dark chair, her body turned slightly to the left. She wears a black dress with white lace at the collar and cuffs. Her left hand holds a pair of gloves.
No one knows who painted her or who she is. The date—1656—is written in the corner, but the artist left no name. The way light falls on her face and hands feels deliberate, like the painter wanted you to notice those small details.
To see more quiet portraits like this, explore the Rijksmuseum.
Overview
This 1656 painting depicts a seated woman in a dark chair, turned slightly to the left. The artist remains unknown, as does the subject's identity.
Subject & Meaning
The woman wears a black dress with white lace trim at the collar and cuffs, holding a pair of gloves in her left hand. The focus on her face and hands suggests a deliberate emphasis on these details.
Technique & Style
The use of light to highlight the subject's face and hands is a notable aspect of the painting, creating a sense of depth and nuance.
History & Provenance
The painting is dated 1656, but the artist's signature is absent. It is housed in a collection that includes other similar quiet portraits, such as those found at the Rijksmuseum.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Michiel Servaesz. Nouts or Nuyts (baptised 13 April 1628 in Delft — buried 13 July 1693 in Amsterdam) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who also served as Amsterdam's town musician (Dutch: stadsspeelman).
Portrait of a woman
Portrait of a woman
Portrait of a woman
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Portrait of a Woman