The artwork, titled “Portrait of Dorothea Meyer, née Kannengiesser,” was created by Hans Holbein the Younger in the year 1516 in Germany. Executed in oil on a panel, this piece is a quintessential example of Northern Renaissance portraiture. Measuring 39 by 31 centimeters, the painting forms part of the portrait genre and showcases the distinctive style and meticulous attention to detail characteristic of the period.
The portrait captures Dorothea Meyer in three-quarters view, elegantly dressed in a richly adorned garment with intricate patterns and a headdress that frames her face. Her attire denotes a sense of nobility and sophistication, enhanced by the jewel-like precision with which Holbein renders the fabric and textures. The background features meticulously painted architectural elements, including a coffered ceiling with floral designs and a column, adding to the painting’s depth and regal atmosphere. Holbein’s portrayal of Dorothea Meyer is notable for its realistic depiction and the careful rendering of her expression and demeanor, which conveys both dignity and introspection.
