Style of Hans Holbein the Younger – Portrait of a Young Woman Metropolitan Museum: part 4

This is a portrait of a young woman, likely of noble standing given her attire and jewelry, in the style of Hans Holbein the Younger. She is depicted in three-quarter profile, looking slightly to her right with a neutral, almost pensive expression.

Visible Elements and Details:

• Attire: She wears a dark, voluminous gown with a square neckline. The sleeves are prominent and decorated with flowing red ribbons tied with gold accents. The neckline and cuffs are trimmed with delicate white fabric, edged with pearl-like beads and gold ornamentation.
• Headwear: Her hair is covered by a distinctive headdress, common in Tudor fashion. It consists of a white coif or cap, overlaid with a gold band adorned with red gems and intricate patterns. A black veil drapes down from the back of her head and shoulders, framing her face.
• Jewelry: She wears two notable pieces of jewelry. A heavy gold chain with a large pendant featuring dark stones and pearls rests on her chest. A smaller, circular gold brooch with a miniature portrait inside is pinned to the front of her gown, just below the neckline.
• Hands: Her hands are clasped in her lap, a common pose in portraits of the era symbolizing modesty and virtue. Her fingers are adorned with a gold ring.
• Inscriptions: On the dark background, to the left of her head, the inscription ANNO is visible, and to the right, ETATIS SVAE XVII (meaning in the year of her age, 17). This clearly indicates the sitter was 17 years old at the time of the portrait.
• Background: The background is a dark, neutral blue, which serves to highlight the sitter and her elaborate clothing and jewelry.

Subtexts and Interpretations:

• Status and Wealth: The richness of her clothing, the intricate detail of her headdress, and the opulence of her jewelry all speak to her social standing and the wealth of her family. The pearl-like trim could signify purity and also wealth, as pearls were highly prized.
• Youth and Potential Marriageability: The inscription ETATIS SVAE XVII emphasizes her youth, placing her at an age where marriage would be a significant consideration for women of her class in the 16th century. The portrait itself functions as a form of introduction and advertisement for a potential suitor.
• Virtue and Modesty: The clasped hands and the composed, perhaps demure, expression can be interpreted as indicators of a virtuous and modest character, qualities highly valued in a prospective bride of the period.
• The Miniature Portrait Brooch: The inclusion of a miniature portrait brooch is significant. It could represent a loved one (a parent, sibling, or even a betrothed), adding a layer of personal sentiment or a declaration of affiliation. It also showcases her access to a sophisticated and fashionable form of personal adornment and portraiture.
• Style of Holbein: The characteristic meticulous detail, the precise rendering of fabrics and jewels, and the direct yet somewhat reserved gaze are hallmarks of Hans Holbein the Youngers portraiture. This style conveys a sense of realism, conveying not just likeness but also the sitters character and social position. The Style of... designation suggests its a work by a follower or imitator of Holbein, aiming to achieve the same level of quality and representational accuracy.