Portrait of a Woman 1731

Balthasar Denner painted this “Portrait of a Woman” sometime in the early 18th century. Denner was known for his hyper realistic paintings. He captured every minute detail of the face, which was en vogue at the time. But in this painting, there are a few, but very visible brushstrokes. What does it mean to see a woman rendered with such attention to detail, and yet left unfinished? Does it democratize her image, freeing her from the shackles of ideal beauty? What can we learn from the subtle blush on her cheeks, or the soft fabric draped over her shoulders? The piece reflects the societal status of women in the 1700s, and how the male gaze was dominant. It gives us an intimate, yet incomplete, view of a woman's identity. It encourages us to contemplate the personal and emotional dimensions of portraiture, and the role of women in the art world.