Portrait of Josina Jansdr de Carpentier (1601-34) 1632

This is a portrait of Josina Jansdr de Carpentier, who lived from 1601 to 1634, made by an anonymous artist. This small painting gives us a glimpse into the life of a woman in the Dutch Golden Age. It’s fascinating to consider what we can learn from such an image. The subject is a member of the upper class, which is shown through her expensive clothing and elaborate lace collar. The lack of an identified artist speaks to the development of artistic markets at this time; that artists were considered tradesmen. The painting shows the visual codes that denoted social status in 17th century Netherlands. It invites questions about the role of women in Dutch society and the importance of family connections and social standing. If you want to know more about this period, you can research Dutch history, social customs, and the history of portraiture. With historical context, a portrait becomes more than just a pretty picture. It’s a window into the values and structures of a past society.