Portrait of a Woman

c. 1560

Oil on wood panel (later mounted to plywood)

29.2 × 22.9 cm (11.5 × 9 in)

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In the collection of Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia — check current display status with the museum.

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Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

The elegant lady depicted in this painting isn't known to us, but she closely resembles portraits of Lady Marie de Gaignon and of Queen Elisabeth of Austria painted by the French court artist François Clouet. The lace, pearls, and embroidery of her costume are rendered in exquisite detail, and she meets the viewer's gaze with light eyes that nonetheless stand out against her eggshell-white skin. This small portrait was probably a commemorative or diplomatic gift upholding the lady's adherence to contemporary standards of beauty and decorum.

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