This tender and wistful portrait by Hals reveals his most profound insights into the human condition.
It depicts a young woman in black dress and a deep, white collar tied with a yellow bow; her head gently tilted and her lips just parting to reveal a smile. The delicate play of light over her features and the restrained brushwork, unusual in his late works, add to the intimacy of the portrait and enhance the candour of the characterisation. This painting was purchased after a successful public appeal by the museum.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Portrait of a Young Woman, c1655-1660
Date supported
1963
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
60 x 55.5 cm
Grant
5000
Total cost
35000
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