Portrait of a Lady in Black Satin with a Fan

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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The lady in Bartholomeus van der Helst's portrait may be unknown now, but she appears to have been a woman of some status. Standing out against a severe, plain black background, her clothes announce her wealth and status -- and little else. Although she appears modest and unassuming her gaze is direct and steady.With no attempt at flattery, van der Helst painted her wispy hair hanging unfashionably straight under a long lace cap, both accentuating her high forehead and the length of her face. She holds her delicately decorated stomacher out towards us -- the embroidery incorporates silver thread and pearl beads, making this uncomfortable, restraining garment appear sparkling and almost frivolous. She also presents her fan, its bow -- like the one at her breast -- made partly of silver thread; the fan would have been hand painted, perhaps with flowers or a scene from a Greek myth.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Portrait of a Lady in Black Satin with a Fan

Date

1644

Medium

Oil on oak

Measurements

H 104.6 x W 76 cm

Accession number

NG1937

Acquisition method

Bought, 1904

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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