Study Head of a Young Woman
Study heads of this type were painted by Van Dyck using live models, whose features were then repeated in finished pictures, usually of religious subjects. For example, this sketch served as the prototype for a likeness of the Virgin Mary in a depiction of the Holy Family. The iconography of the melancholy young woman with long hair streaming down her shoulders also suits images of Mary Magdalen. Intriguingly, an early biographer tells us that Van Dyck once depicted his sister Susanna in that guise.
Artwork Details
- Title: Study Head of a Young Woman
- Artist: Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, Antwerp 1599–1641 London)
- Date: ca. 1618–20
- Medium: Oil on paper, laid down on wood
- Dimensions: 22 1/4 x 16 3/8 in. (56.5 x 41.6 cm)
- Classification: Pastels & Oil Sketches on Paper
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Ralph J. Hines, 1957
- Object Number: 57.37
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Anthony van Dyck
Sir Peter Lely (Pieter van der Faes)
1635–41
Anthony van Dyck
early 17th century
Anthony van Dyck
1610–41
Anthony van Dyck
n.d.
Anthony van Dyck
early 17th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.