Who painted Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman was painted by Paulus Moreelse in 1604.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Portrait of a Young Woman?

Portrait of a Young Woman is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Portrait of a Young Woman

Paulus Moreelse , 1604

Portrait of a Young Woman is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Paulus Moreelse. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Paulus Morello’s 1604 work, Portrait of a Young Woman, presents a tightly framed view of a woman’s head and shoulders. She is dressed in a dark, high‑collared garment with a deep neckline, accented by a single pearl necklace. Her hair is gathered back and secured with a ribbon bow, and she looks directly at the viewer with a composed, serious expression.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s calm demeanor and steady gaze suggest a portrait intended to convey personal dignity rather than overt sentiment. The absence of a smile and the thoughtful look may reflect the conventions of early‑seventeenth‑century portraiture, where restraint and inner character were often emphasized over overt emotion.

Technique & Style

Morello employs a restrained palette and subtle chiaroscuro to model the figure. Light falls across the face, highlighting smooth skin while casting gentle shadows beneath the chin and along the cheekbones, creating a three‑dimensional effect. The plain, dark background eliminates distractions, directing attention to the sitter’s features and attire.

History & Provenance

Created in 1604, the painting has been part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection in Munich. Its acquisition history is not extensively documented, but the work has remained in the museum’s holdings, where it contributes to the representation of Dutch portraiture from the early Baroque period.