Bartholomeus van der Helst

Portrait of a Woman
Now On View

Maker

Bartholomeus van der Helst (Dutch, 1613-1670)

Title

Portrait of a Woman

Year

ca. 1655

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

oil paint

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Netherlands

Dimensions

111.8 x 97.2 cm (44 x 38 1/4 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signature: Signed and dated LL:B. vanderhelst. f. 1655

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Museum Associates' Fund

Object Number

60.009

Type

Provenance

1802, offered by August Pechwell, Dresden, to Johann Rudolph Czernin, Vienna [1757-1845].
By 1803, Collection of Johann Rudolph Czernin, Vienna
By inheritance through the family of the Counts Czernin, Vienna;
By 1936 Count Eugen Czernin von Chudenitz, Vienna [1892-1955]
By 1959 with Galerie Sanct Lucas, Vienna
1960. Purchased by the RISD Museum from the Galerie Sanct Lucas, Vienna, March 15, via that gallery's branch in Vaduz, Lichtenstein, called S. Nissl Kunsthandel

Exhibition History

European Galleries
Sep 02, 2017

Label copy

Smiling slightly and looking directly at us, the subject of this painting appears against a dark background, which sets off her glowing complexion and brilliant linen collars and cuffs. Her black satin cap and dress, pearl jewelry, gold ring, and painted fan are indications of her status and wealth. 

Bartholomeus van der Helst was a sought-after artist who portrayed Amsterdam’s elite families. This is a marriage portrait; its companion painting is also in the RISD Museum’s collection. 

From the Reserve I
Paintings of Quality from the Museum's Collection
Apr 09, 1994 – Aug 03, 1994
The Facts of Life
Dutch Paintings from the 17th Century
Jun 24, 1988 – Oct 23, 1988
Dutch Paintings of the 17th Century
Jul 12, 1985 – Sep 01, 1985

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Bartholomeus van der Helst (Dutch, 1613-1670)
Portrait of a Woman, ca. 1655
Oil on canvas
111.8 x 97.2 cm (44 x 38 1/4 inches)
Museum Associates' Fund 60.009

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