“Cornelia Claesdr Vooght” is an oil portrait created by renowned Dutch Golden Age artist Frans Hals in 1631. The artwork, which exemplifies the Baroque movement’s dynamic style and realism, measures 126.5 x 101 cm. Housed in the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands, the painting captures the likeness and presence of its subject with Hals’ characteristic vivacity and attention to texture.
In this portrait, the subject, Cornelia Claesdr Vooght, is depicted seated, facing slightly to the viewer’s left, exuding an aura of quiet dignity and poise. She appears to be wearing elegant attire, indicative of her social status, including a black dress with what appears to be fur trimming, which was often a sign of wealth during that time. Cornelia’s attire is detailed and rich in texture, demonstrating Hals’ skill in rendering various materials and surfaces. The prominent white ruff and cap frame her face and lead the viewer’s attention to her expression, which conveys a sense of serenity and perhaps a hint of introspection.
Her hands are folded over her stomach, with one hand slightly grasping her other wrist, suggesting a comfortable yet formal pose. Notable is the fine lacework at the cuffs of her sleeves and the delicate fan she holds, further emphasizing the upscale nature of her attire. Behind her, a coat of arms is visible, which serves to identify her family lineage. The brownish-gray background ensures that the focus remains on the subject’s face and hands, with the subtle use of lighting enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the figure.
Frans Hals’ technique of loose, energetic brush strokes is particularly evident in the intricate lace and the texture of the fur, while maintaining a wonderfully lifelike representation of Cornelia’s face and hands. This energy brings a sense of immediacy to the work, a characteristic feature of Hals’ portraits. The inscription “AETAT SVÆ 42 / A° 1631” can be seen above her head, indicating her age at the time of the portrait and the year it was painted. Overall, the portrait embodies a balance of sumptuous detail and subtle psychological depth, hallmarks of Hals’ portraiture mastery.