The artwork “Portrait of a Woman,” created by Frans Hals in 1633, is a significant piece of the Baroque period. With dimensions of 102.5 x 86.9 cm, this work is an example of portraiture, which was a common genre during Hals’s time. The portrait displays a woman believed to be in her sixties, as indicated by the inscription that can be read as “AETAT SVÆ 60” or “Aged 60.”
In the painting, the subject is seated and dressed in attire typical of the 17th-century Dutch upper class, with a black gown and a starched, broad white ruff around her neck, as well as a white cap. These elements of her dress are rendered with care, showcasing the artist’s skills in capturing the texture and folds of fabric. The woman’s expression is serene and dignified, featuring a slight, ambiguous smile. Her hands are also a focal point, one resting on her lap holding what appears to be a small book or bible, indicating perhaps her piety or literacy, and the other gently resting on the chair. The overall tone of the painting is one of quiet elegance and reflects the sitter’s status and character.
The warm, earthy background contrasts with the predominantly black and white tones of her clothes and cap. Hals is known for his lively and loose brushwork, which is evident even in this more restrained and formal portrait. His mastery in portraying his subjects with vitality and individuality while adhering to the stylistic elements of the Baroque period is clear in this work.
