Who painted Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess?

Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess was painted by Samuel Hoffmann in 1636.

Where can I see Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess?

Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

What movement is Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess?

Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess

Samuel Hoffmann , 1636

Bildnis Margaretha Müller-Hess is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Samuel Hoffmann. It dates from 1636 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Samuel Hoffmann’s 1636 oil portrait, titled "Bildnis Margaretha Müller‑Hess," is part of the collection at the Kunsthaus Zürich. The work presents a seated woman dressed in a dark gown with a white ruffled collar and modest head covering, her left hand resting on a green‑tinted tablecloth. The composition balances a luminous facial expression against a subdued backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, identified as Margaretha Müller‑Hess, is portrayed with refined attire—a black dress, gold belt, and multiple finger rings—signifying her social standing. The restrained pose and modest accessories suggest a focus on personal virtue and dignity typical of early‑Baroque portraiture, emphasizing the individual’s inner character over overt display.

Technique & Style

Hoffmann employs chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts of light and shadow to model the figure’s features and give the portrait a three‑dimensional presence. The illuminated face emerges from a darker background, while the subtle gradations on the fabric and tablecloth demonstrate the artist’s skillful handling of oil pigments to render texture and depth.

History & Provenance

Created in 1636, the painting entered the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings at an unspecified date and remains on display there. Its provenance traces back to the original commission for Margaretha Müller‑Hess, though details of subsequent ownership before acquisition by the museum are not documented in the available records.