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Bartholomeus van der Helst, 'Portrait of a Lady in Black Satin with a Fan', 1644

About the work

Overview

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.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Portrait of a Lady in Black Satin with a Fan
Artist dates
1613 - 1670
Date made
1644
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
104.6 × 76 cm
Inscription summary
Signed; Dated
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1904
Inventory number
NG1937
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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