Artwork
Portrait of a girl, known as 'The Little Princess'
Portrait of a girl, known as 'The Little Princess' is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Paulus Moreelse. It dates from 1623 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1623, this oil painting by Dutch portraitist Paulus Moreelse portrays a young girl, often referred to as “The Little Princess.” The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies early‑17th‑century portraiture that emphasizes both individual presence and social status through detailed costume and compositional balance.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in an opulent black gown trimmed with gold embroidery and delicate lace, complemented by a white lace collar and pearl jewelry on her neck and wrists. She gently strokes a small dog that gazes up at her, a motif that underscores affection and the domestic virtues associated with youthful femininity in the period.
Technique & Style
Moreelse employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the figure with a darker background to create a three‑dimensional effect. The fine rendering of textiles, pearls, and the animal’s fur demonstrates his skill in capturing texture, while the subtle modeling of light across the face conveys a calm, introspective demeanor.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the portrait has remained in Dutch collections, ultimately entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Dutch Golden Age assemblage. Documentation traces its attribution to Moreelse through stylistic analysis and archival records linking the work to his known portrait practice.
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