Artwork
Young Woman in Profile
Young Woman in Profile is an unspecified painting by the High Renaissance artist Palma Vecchio. It dates from 1512 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Created in 1512 by the Venetian painter Jacopo Palma, known as Palma il Vecchio, this portrait presents a young woman rendered in profile.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1512 by the Venetian painter Jacopo Palma, known as Palma il Vecchio, this portrait presents a young woman rendered in profile. The work belongs to the High Renaissance period and is part of the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on a solitary female figure whose head and shoulders are turned slightly away from the viewer. Her hair is gathered back, and she is dressed in a modest, dark garment accented with subtle green and gold tones, suggesting a restrained elegance without overt symbolism.
Technique & Style
Palma employs a restrained palette and a smooth modeling of flesh, allowing light to caress the skin and fabric while deeper shadows define the neck and collarbone. The plain dark‑green backdrop isolates the sitter, emphasizing the chiaroscuro effect that gives the portrait a palpable sense of volume.
History & Provenance
The painting has remained in the Austrian capital’s Kunsthistorisches Museum since its acquisition, where it is displayed among other works of the Italian High Renaissance. Its attribution to Palma il Vecchio rests on stylistic analysis linking it to his early 16th‑century output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Palma Vecchio (c. 1480 – 30 July 1528), born Jacopo Palma, also known as Jacopo Negretti, was a Venetian painter of the Italian High Renaissance. He is called Palma Vecchio in English and Palma il Vecchio in Italian…
