Portrait of a Young Woman 1562

Joachim Beuckelaer painted this portrait of a young woman in 1562, using oil on panel. The smooth surface of the panel supports the illusion of lifelike skin, while the careful layering of the oil paint allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow, capturing the texture of the clothing. The young woman’s dress, head covering, and accessory all feature different methods and materials; the ruff around her neck is finely gathered linen, the metal chain connecting to her girdle is made of repeating links, and the accessory hanging from her girdle has been carefully sewn from leather. The artist has meticulously depicted these details, emphasizing the amount of skilled labor required to produce them. By highlighting the textures and materiality of these items, Beuckelaer reminds us of the social and economic systems that enabled their creation. Considering how objects are made, and the labor, time, and skills involved, can help us to better understand the culture and context from which they emerge.