Young Woman Holding a Mask 1725

"Young Woman Holding a Mask" is a portrait painting by Jean-Baptiste Santerre, created in 1725 and housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The painting depicts a young woman in an elegant black dress, holding a mask in her right hand. The light and shadows cast by the masked woman create a dramatic effect, highlighting the sitter's youthful beauty. Santerre was known for his portraits of aristocratic women and his ability to capture the sitter's personality. This piece showcases his mastery of detail, particularly in the delicate depiction of the woman's hair and the intricate lace of her dress.