This is the 33rd portrait attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger that I have found thus far with blackwork embroidery in it!
This is a portrait of an unknown English lady that is part of the Oskar Reinhart Collection with Museen und Sammlungen des Bundes from circa 1535. This portrait is 32.9 x 25.4 cm in dimension. The museum description of this portrait states, "The young woman in three-quarter profile seems introverted and controlled. The interlocking hands rest on her lap. The expressionless face is turned to the left; her gaze goes into the distance. Although the identity of the portrayed cannot be clarified, her beaded bonnet identifies her as an English noblewoman. In the portrait, detailed elements such as the embroidered cuffs or the brooch on the bonnet alternate with flat sections such as the dark-robed upper body and the petrol-colored background. It was written during Holbein's second stay in England. The Ausburger, whose father had already been a famous Renaissance painter, became a court painter to the English King Henry VIII in 1536."
Here is an enhanced picture of the lady's cuffs. Based on what I can see of the blackwork embroidery pattern, I have recreated the pattern to the best of my ability. Please see below.
I was extremely excited when I saw this portrait, as it's the first time that I have seen this particular portrait. Aside from finding another blackwork embroidery pattern in a Holbein portrait, I am also intrigued by the brooch on her gable hood -- as I have not seen any other ladies in portraits from this time period wearing a brooch on their hoods (French hood or gable hood).



No comments:
Post a Comment