The artwork “Two young women with a dog” by Peter Paul Rubens dates from circa 1616 to 1618. This piece is characterized by the Baroque art movement and is a portrait, often also categorized as a tronie, which is a type of Dutch and Flemish genre painting that depicts an exaggerated facial expression or a stock character in costume. The dimensions of this piece are relatively modest, measuring approximately 29 by 23 centimeters.
The artwork features two young women, portrayed close to each other in a manner that suggests intimacy or familiarity. The expression of the figures indicates a moment of casual interaction, possibly even a shared joke or a moment of tender companionship. One woman’s profile is more prominently featured, while the other woman gazes slightly towards the viewer, providing a sense of engagement with those looking upon the artwork. Held between them is a small dog, which contributes to the narrative element of the drawing, adding warmth and highlighting the social aspect of the scene.
Rubens utilized a sketch-like technique, which is evident in the free and dynamic lines, adding to the spontaneity and liveliness characteristic of Baroque art. The use of light and shadow in this monochromatic piece gently models the figures, creating a sense of depth and roundness to their forms. Overall, this intimate portrayal captures a snapshot of life and emotion within the confines of a small, yet expressive, composition.
