Portrait of Elizabeth Spiegel

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of Elizabeth Spiegel as painting (Netherlands · 1639).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

Amsterdam was a very important trade center when this portrait was painted in the mid-1600s. In this portrait, the girl wears an African ostrich feather in her hair and her skin appears to glow. Look closely at the way her small hands were treated and the naturalistic way they grip the musical instrument.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this painting as oil on wood and credits Dirck Dircksz. Santvoort (Dutch, 1610/11–1680).

The museum's collection notes: This painting belongs to a series of portraits representing the five senses and each depicting a daughter of a wealthy family from Amsterdam. This portrait of 11-year-old Elizabeth Spiegel, who holds a recorder in her hands, represents the sense of hearing. Her gown of costly satin and pearl ornaments proclaims her family's prosperity, and the imported ostrich feathers from Africa indicate Amsterdam's role as an international trade center.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of Elizabeth Spiegel

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