The artwork titled “A Young Woman in Profile with a Fan” was created by the renowned artist Rembrandt in 1632. This oil painting, epitomizing the Baroque movement, measures 73 by 55 centimeters and represents the genre of portraiture. The piece is housed in the Hermitage Museum, located in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
This artwork portrays a young lady in profile, holding a fan, a common accessory of the era which was often associated with elegance and femininity. The subject’s face is rendered with delicate, soft features, and gentle lighting highlights her serene expression and the fine details of her visage. The attention to detail extends to her attire; she wears an opulent dress adorned with intricate lace and embroidery, and her hair is embellished with decorative elements, consistent with the fashion of the time.
Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, a technique characteristic of the Baroque movement which plays with strong contrasts between light and dark, is evident in this painting. It adds depth and volume to the figure and her clothing, emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the subject.
Overall, the portrait conveys an impression of quiet grace and reflects the high societal status of the subject through the luxuriousness of her dress and the poise with which she is depicted. The artwork remains a testament to Rembrandt’s mastery of portraiture and his skilled manipulation of light and shadow to infuse his subjects with life and character.
