Bartholomeus van der Helst (Dutch,1613-1670) • Portrait of a Lady in Black Satin and a Fan • Unknown date • National Portrait Gallery, London
The outrageous, extravagant, often humorous, and sometimes beautiful outfits worn by the subjects of old portraits
This one's all in the details!
The lady in Bartholomeus van der Helst’s portrait may be unknown now, but she appears to have been a woman of some status. Standing out against a severe, plain black background, her clothes announce her wealth and status – and little else. Although she appears modest and unassuming her gaze is direct and steady.With no attempt at flattery, van der Helst painted her wispy hair hanging unfashionably straight under a long lace cap, both accentuating her high forehead and the length of her face. She holds her delicately decorated stomacher out towards us – the embroidery incorporates silver thread and pearl beads, making this uncomfortable, restraining garment appear sparkling and almost frivolous. She also presents her fan, its bow – like the one at her breast – made partly of silver thread; the fan would have been hand painted, perhaps with flowers or a scene from a Greek myth.
— National Portrait Gallery, London
