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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

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

View venue

Artist or maker

Bartholomeus van der Helst

1613–1670

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