30 - 17th-century Dutch School, circle of Caspar Netscher (1639–1684)

17th-century Dutch School, circle of Caspar Netscher (1639–1684) Portrait of a young woman depicted from the waist up, wearing a purple dress and holding her cloak, in an interior featuring an ancient statue Oil on canvas (re-stretched) Some scratches, discoloration, and restorations 29.4 x 23.5 cm This elegant portrait follows the tradition of Dutch society portraiture from the second half of the 17th century, characterized by the refinement of the fabrics, the delicacy of the skin tones, and the care taken in staging the subject. The half-length pose, the richly draped costume, and the presence of a sculpted element in the background are particularly reminiscent of the art of Caspar Netscher, whose portraits of high-society women—such as *Portrait of Elisabeth van Bebber* (Mauritshuis, The Hague (inv. 714) are distinguished by their pursuit of elegance and their attention to accessories and materials. The presence of an ancient sculpture in the background places our subject within a cultured and sophisticated social circle. References to antiquity contribute to the depiction of the subject’s social status and education. Expert: Mégane OLLIVIER