Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit

Ferdinand Bol

Created:
Movement:
1657
Baroque
key Notes:
Baroque Portraiture, Symbolic Abundance
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Dimensions:
31 5/8 x 26 in. (80.3 x 66 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit" is a painting by Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol, created in 1657. The work depicts Petronella Elias, a member of the prominent Elias family in Amsterdam. Bol was a pupil of Rembrandt and is known for his portraiture and historical scenes. The painting showcases Elias holding a basket of fruit, symbolizing abundance and virtue. The use of light and shadow reflects Bol's mastery of chiaroscuro, a technique he likely learned from Rembrandt. The identity of the artist's patrons and the specific circumstances surrounding the commission are unknown. The painting is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Description of the work:

"Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit" by Ferdinand Bol, created in 1657, is an oil on canvas portrait that depicts a young woman, Petronella Elias, in a three-quarter pose. She is dressed in a richly adorned gown with intricate lace details, which reflects the fashion of the Dutch Golden Age. The subject's expression is serene and contemplative, with her gaze directed slightly off to the side. In her left hand, she holds a basket filled with an assortment of fruit, including grapes and peaches, symbolizing abundance and fertility. The background is rendered in a dark, muted palette that contrasts with the vibrant colors of the fruit and the subject's attire, enhancing her prominence in the composition. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, particularly in the depiction of the fabric and the fruit. Bol's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the textures of the clothing and the naturalistic representation of the fruit. The overall composition conveys a sense of elegance and refinement, characteristic of Bol's portraiture during this period.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Petronella Elias (1648–1667) with a Basket of Fruit