Artwork
Portrait of a Woman aged 35
Portrait of a Woman aged 35 is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Frans Floris. It dates from 1555 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Frans Floris executed this portrait in 1555, presenting a woman identified as thirty‑five years old. The work belongs to the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it is displayed among the museum’s Flemish paintings. The composition focuses on the sitter against an unadorned dark backdrop, allowing the figure and her adornments to dominate the visual field.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown wearing a simple white cap and a black gown, complemented by an elaborate gold necklace that holds a pendant resembling a golden fleece. A delicate chain with a key‑like element rests in her hands, and a ruby‑colored stone set in a ring adorns her finger, suggesting themes of wealth, status, or perhaps allegorical references to virtue and fidelity.
Technique & Style
Florist’s handling of light follows a chiaroscuro approach, with a focused illumination on the face and jewelry that contrasts sharply with the surrounding darkness. The rendering of textures—from the sheen of the gold necklace to the softness of the fabric—demonstrates the artist’s skill in creating depth and materiality within a relatively restrained compositional space.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑sixteenth century, the portrait entered the Prado’s holdings through acquisitions that expanded the museum’s representation of Northern Renaissance art. Its presence in the collection underscores the institution’s commitment to preserving works by prominent Flemish painters who worked in Italy and Spain during the period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Frans Floris, Frans Floris the Elder or Frans Floris de Vriendt (17 April 1519 – 1 October 1570) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman, print artist and tapestry designer.
