The artwork, titled “Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling,” was created by Hans Holbein the Younger circa 1527 in Germany. This oil on panel painting measures 38.7 by 54 cm and belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. It is a portrait genre piece currently located in the National Gallery, London, UK.
The artwork depicts a poised and serene woman wearing a white headdress and a black garment, with a squirrel nestled in her hands and a starling perched nearby. The background is adorned with leaves and branches, adding a naturalistic touch to the composition. The woman’s calm demeanor, combined with the precise and detailed rendering of the elements, exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on realism and attention to detail. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, contributing to the overall lifelike quality of the painting.
