oil-paint
portrait
oil-paint
11_renaissance
oil painting
child
italian-renaissance
Dimensions 43.5 x 34.3 x min. 0.9 cm
This is an early sixteenth-century portrait of Barbara Thenn, painted by an anonymous artist. During the Renaissance, portraits of children from affluent families began to appear. Barbara’s direct gaze exudes a subtle confidence, and her attire and jewelry reflect the wealth and status of her family in Augsburg. Yet, in the context of the era, the portrait also raises questions about the limited roles and expectations placed upon women in this period. The delicate handling of light and shadow, combined with the realistic portrayal of Barbara’s features, evokes a sense of intimacy. The serene landscape in the background creates a contemplative atmosphere, contrasting with the confines of Barbara’s social position. This portrait encapsulates both the privileges afforded to Barbara as a member of the upper class and the constraints imposed on her as a young woman. It prompts reflection on the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and the enduring quest for self-expression.
Comments
In 1516 the Salzburg mint master Johann Thenn had portraits painted of three of his children. This picture shows his daughter Barbara in three-quarter profile at the age of about three or four. Her right arm is bent and she is holding what is probably a cherry between her thumb and forefinger. But nothing in the girl's expression gives the impression that she wants to eat the fruit. With the earnestness of a child she is gazing out of the picture to the left. In the background we can see an expanse of water, and on the horizon snow-capped peaks rise above the foothills beneath a slightly cloudy sky.
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