Portrait of a Lady
- Artist: Master A.W. (Artists)active from 1536 (Life dates)
- Date: 1536
- Medium: oil on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Portrait of a Lady by Master A.W. (Artists), painted in 1536. The work is an oil on panel, a medium that was popular in the early sixteenth century because it allowed for rich, luminous colors and fine detail. The sitter’s face is rendered with a delicate realism: the subtle play of light on the cheekbones, the gentle suggestion of a subtle smile, and the soft, almost translucent texture of her hair. Her dress, though painted in muted tones, shows careful attention to the folds and the way fabric drapes over the body, hinting at the fashion of the time. The background is deliberately subdued, keeping the viewer’s focus on the woman’s expressive eyes and the dignified posture she holds. Together these elements create an intimate glimpse into the life of a lady in the early Renaissance, revealing both her status and the masterful skill of the artist.
See it in person
Portrait of a Lady hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
