Wolf Huber, German (active Passau), c. 1485-1553 – Portrait of Margaret Hundertpfundt Philadelphia Museum of Art

The portrait presents a woman set against a dark, indeterminate background that recedes into shadow. She is positioned centrally within the frame and occupies nearly the entire vertical space. The artist has rendered her in a three-quarter view, allowing for a degree of psychological engagement with the viewer. Her gaze is direct, though not overtly inviting; it conveys a sense of quiet dignity rather than overt friendliness.
The woman’s attire consists of a dark, possibly velvet, gown with a high collar adorned with decorative gold emblems. A wide belt cinches her waist, embellished with further ornamentation. The most striking feature is the elaborate head covering: a white linen headdress secured by multiple ties and folds, partially concealing a visible injury or surgical intervention on the left side of her face. This wound is not concealed but rather presented as an integral part of her identity.
The background features a brick wall, painted with a rough texture that contrasts with the smoother rendering of the woman’s skin and clothing. A small plaque affixed to the wall bears inscribed text, though its content remains illegible in this reproduction. The sky is visible above the wall, depicted with muted blues and grey tones suggesting an overcast day.
The subtexts within the painting are complex. The visible injury immediately prompts questions about its origin and significance. It could represent a physical trauma, perhaps from illness or accident, but the formal presentation suggests it holds symbolic weight beyond mere biographical detail. The elaborate headwear, while potentially intended to conceal the wound, simultaneously draws attention to it, transforming it into an emblem of resilience or endurance.
The dark clothing and somber background contribute to a mood of introspection and seriousness. This is not a portrait celebrating youthful beauty; instead, it seems to depict a woman marked by experience, perhaps hardship, but retaining a sense of composure and self-possession. The plaque on the wall hints at an official record or memorialization, suggesting that this portrait serves as more than just a likeness – it functions as a testament to her life and character. Overall, the work conveys a powerful sense of individual identity forged through adversity, presented with a stark realism characteristic of its era.