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Portrait of a Woman Holding a Fan
This woman's pose in three-quarter view, turned toward our left but looking at the viewer strongly suggests that this portrait of an unidentified woman was initially one of a pair with her husband to our left (and her right). For a typical example of this kind of portrayal of a married couple, see the pair of portraits by Hendrik Bloemaert of about the same date in the Walters. The details of her presentation indicate considerable wealth or at least the intention to imply that. Besides a discret string of pearls at her neck, she wears very large pearl earrings and a large jewel. The extensive display of lace is of exquisite quality. The fan she carries may be a subtle indication that the family is involved in trade with Asia and indeed that is likely to be the source of their prosperity.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Estate of Mrs. Frances Eaton Weld; Walters Art Museum, 1947, by gift.
Measurements
Overall: 28 7/16 x 21 15/16 in. (72.3 x 55.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the estate of Mrs. Frances Eaton Weld, 1947
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
37.2003