The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History   The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World MapsTimelines / RegionsThematic EssaysWorks of ArtIndex  
Study of a Young Woman, probably ca. 1665–67
Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632–1675)
Oil on canvas; 17 1/2 x 15 3/4 in. (44.5 x 40 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, in memory of Theodore Rousseau Jr., 1979 (1979.396.1)

This may be one of the three paintings by Vermeer that were described in an Amsterdam auction of 1696 as "A 'face' [tronie] in an antique dress, uncommonly artful." Although a live model must have been employed, the artist's goal was not portraiture but a study of character and expression. Dutch pictures of this type (tronies) often featured curious costumes and artistic effects, such as the fall of light on fine fabrics, soft skin, or a pearl earring.

Open full-size image


    • Related Timeline(s)


    Study of a Young Woman, probably ca. 1665–67
    Johannes Vermeer (Dutch, 1632–1675)
    Oil on canvas; 17 1/2 x 15 3/4 in. (44.5 x 40 cm)
    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, in memory of Theodore Rousseau Jr., 1979 (1979.396.1)