Study Head of a Young Woman
Anthony van Dyck·ca. 1618–20
Historical Context
Study Head of a Young Woman (c. 1618-20), at the Metropolitan Museum, is another example of Van Dyck's early study heads (tronies), painted during his first Antwerp period while still associated with Rubens's workshop. The young woman is depicted with remarkable sensitivity, her gaze slightly averted and her features softly modeled with fluid, confident brushwork. These study heads allowed Van Dyck to develop his extraordinary facility for rendering the human face, practicing the subtle effects of light, expression, and character that would make him the greatest portrait painter of his generation. The painting's intimate scale and psychological directness contrast with the grand formal portraits of his later career at the English court.
Technical Analysis
The study on paper shows rapid, fluid execution with warm flesh tones and a sensitive treatment of the eyes that became a Van Dyck hallmark. The oil-on-paper technique allows for especially spontaneous handling, preserving the immediacy of direct observation.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the oil-on-paper technique allowing especially spontaneous handling, preserving the immediacy of direct observation.
- ◆Look at the sensitive treatment of the eyes that became a Van Dyck hallmark, with the young woman's gaze slightly averted.
- ◆Observe these early study heads developing the extraordinary facility for rendering the human face that made Van Dyck the greatest portraitist of his generation.
