The Lady with a Fan c. 1640

"The Lady with a Fan" is a 17th-century portrait by Diego Velázquez. The painting portrays a young woman in a dark dress and a black shawl, holding a closed fan in her left hand. The woman's gaze is directed towards the viewer, creating an intimate connection. Velázquez's mastery of light and shadow is evident in the painting, as is his ability to capture the subtle nuances of human expression. The work is considered a prime example of Spanish Baroque portraiture, with its emphasis on realism and psychological depth.