Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Samuel Cooper, unspecified, 1646
Portrait of a Woman, by Samuel Cooper, unspecified, 1646

Portrait of a Woman is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Baroque artist Samuel Cooper. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Woman is a 1646 portrait miniature by Samuel Cooper, an English artist of the 17th century. The work is characterized by its oval shape, small size, and delicate execution.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is an unidentified woman with distinctive curly red-brown hair, dressed in a blue dress, white lace collar, and pearl necklace. Her gentle, softly lit portrayal conveys a sense of quiet dignity.

Technique & Style

Cooper employed soft brushstrokes to capture the subtleties of the subject's face and clothing details, such as the bow on her collar. A plain greenish-gray background and thin gold rim frame the image, enhancing its intimacy.

History & Provenance

Created during Cooper's activity within the broader Flemish Baroque influence, the miniature is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Samuel Cooper

Artist

Samuel Cooper

Samuel Cooper (1609 – 5 May 1672), sometimes spelt Samuel Cowper, was an English miniature painter. He was the younger brother of Alexander Cooper.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.