“Portrait of a Young Woman in a Pinned Hat” is a significant artwork by Rogier van der Weyden, a master from the Northern Renaissance period. This portrait, dating from the year 1435, is rendered in oil on panel, a medium that allows for fine detail and rich texture. The artwork measures 47 x 32 cm and is categorized in the genre of portraiture. Currently, it is housed in the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, Germany, where viewers can appreciate its historical and artistic value.
The artwork presents a young woman portrayed from the waist up, clad in period attire including a dark dress and a distinctive white pinned hat that gives the painting its name. Her gaze is direct, establishing a connection with the viewer, although there’s a softness in it that lends the subject a contemplative air. The delicacy and realism with which the artist has rendered the woman’s features, particularly the texture of the skin and the fabric of the garments, demonstrate van der Weyden’s skill and attention to detail. The fine pleats of her white headwear and undergarment are executed with precision, while the subtle shadows of the folds in her clothing evidence the artist’s mastery over light and form. This portrait not only reflects the individuated character of the sitter but also exemplifies the aesthetic values and technical advancements of the Northern Renaissance.
