Skip to main content

Caspar Netscher, 'Portrait of a Lady and a Girl', 1679

About the work

Overview

In Netscher’s painting, the hand resting gently on the little girl’s shoulder suggests that the woman is her mother. There is a faint likeness: the little girl still has the rounded cheeks of childhood, but the eyes and mouth of the two are similar.

Netscher was famous for his brilliant representation of rich fabrics, particularly the satin of both gowns here. These are perhaps dulled with age and dirt, and have lost their original sheen, but are still sumptuous. Though the pair are dressed in high fashion it is restrained in design and colour, intended to show a refined taste, borne out by the dignified posture of the mother and the unusually plain hairstyle of the girl.

Mother and child both hold an orange and there are more on the mother’s lap. The ruling family of the Netherlands was the House of Orange and perhaps the sitters were their supporters.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Portrait of a Lady and a Girl
Artist dates
1635/6 - 1684
Date made
1679
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
47.5 × 38.5 cm
Inscription summary
Signed; Dated
Acquisition credit
Layard Bequest, 1913
Inventory number
NG2953
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

Images