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Subjects of this type are sometimes entitled 'The Magdalen Writing', but the lightening of the background around the girl's head is not a halo. Her costume is of about 1520; it is also depicted in two paintings, 'Woman weighing Gold' (Berlin, Staatliche Museen) and 'Woman playing a Spinet' (Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Art Museum), sometimes attributed to Jan van Hemessen.
The picture may have been painted in Antwerp. Figures of this sort were often painted by the artist known as the Master of the Female Half-Lengths.
The picture may have been painted in Antwerp. Figures of this sort were often painted by the artist known as the Master of the Female Half-Lengths.
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The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN