Portret van een jonge vrouw met hoed met veren

About this artwork

Schenking van de heer P. Brandt, Amsterdam

Art Historical Context

Behold *Portret van een jonge vrouw met hoed met veren* (Portrait of a Young Woman with a Feathered Hat), a delicate work on paper by Austrian painter Hans Makart (1840–1884). Measuring just 218 × 182 mm, this intimate portrait captures the elegance of a young woman adorned with a lavish feathered hat, evoking the opulent fashion of mid-to-late 19th-century Europe. Created sometime between 1850 and 1884 during Makart's prolific career, it exemplifies his mastery of portraiture on a modest scale. Makart, often called the "painter prince" of Vienna, was a leading figure in the Historicist movement, blending Baroque grandeur with sensual realism inspired by Rubens and Titian. Works on paper like this were likely preparatory studies or standalone drawings, showcasing his fluid line work and attention to luxurious textures—here, the soft plumes of the hat contrast with the subject's poised gaze. Such pieces highlight his influence on Viennese society, where art intertwined with high fashion and theater. Generously donated by Mr. P. Brandt of Amsterdam, this artwork offers a glimpse into Makart's versatile practice, bridging grand canvases and personal sketches. It invites visitors to appreciate the artistry in everyday elegance from a transformative era in European portraiture.

About the Artist

Hans Makart · 1840–1884

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