Though we do not know the name of its maker or sitter, we can draw certain conclusions about this painting based on close observation. The woman’s costly attire—a fur-lined jacket, white lace ruffs, and finely woven handkerchief, and abundant jewelry—indicate she belonged to a wealthy family. At the time, viewers would have associated this display of riches with the family crest shown in the upper left corner. In 16th-century German portraiture, the sitter’s status and lineage were of primary concern; paintings like this were often used to negotiate or celebrate marriages, or to reinforce a family’s stature.

Excerpt from

DMA label copy, 2018.