Antique oil painting on canvas, 18th century, Renaissance lady

We are pleased to present this oil painting on canvas. Although the painting depicts a young woman with the typical features of a Renaissance lady, the pictorial style suggests a later date, around the beginning of the 18th century. It was likely painted by an artist fascinated by glorious past eras such as the Renaissance. The young woman is portrayed half-length in a very severe pose, her hands clasped in her lap. She wears a necklace with a large cross on her chest and a key hanging from her right hip. Her face has angular features and her gaze is direct, with a faint smile. The woman's all-black dress suggests her status as a widow. The headdress framing her face is very distinctive, a typical item worn by women of the time, called a "heart-shaped bonnet" because the central part of her forehead sloped into a "V," creating the characteristic shape that, when viewed from the front, resembles a heart. The headdress is accompanied by a lace veil that frames her face and covers part of her neck, while at the back a black veil hides her hair. The pictorial quality is excellent. The artist uses dark tones and does not create a setting around the subject, but focuses on the details of the portrait, suggesting a Flemish influence in his artistic training. The painting, in excellent condition, shows traces of restoration and has been relined. A wonderful painting that transports us to a bygone era. Every detail of this painting invites reflection, as artists often inserted small details full of meaning and reveal something about the sitter. A painting that will enchant your guests! If you love old portraits, you absolutely must add this splendid painting to your collection. The painting is presented in a splendid carved and gilded wooden frame from the 20th century. Frame dimensions (cm): Height: 60 Width: 48 Depth: 4,5 Painting width (cm): Height: 42 Width: 30