Portrait of a Genoese widow (Geronima Spinola ?)

artist: 
Dyck (Antoon Van)
Portrait of a Genoese widow (Geronima Spinola ?)
layer & technique: 

oil on canvas

dimensions: 

104,4 x 76,5 cm

date: 
1621-1622 ?
description: 

 

During cleaning, the nineteenth century overpaint over the whole background and clothing was removed.

 Now the head and clothing are clearly surrounded by a penumbra which suggests that it was painted  "ad

vivum".

Underneath was a well preserved painting layer showing a pillar behind the widow and a softer

background which makes the figure standing out of the background. Also a glove still in perfect

condition,that the lady held in her hand appeared.

 

literature: 

 VAN DYCK:A complete catalogue of the paintings. page 228 n° II.102  + illustration black and white 

Susan J.Barnes

Nora De Poorter

Oliver Millar

Horst vey

Yale university 2004