The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 22, 2023

Portrait of a Woman with a Dog

c. 1635

Hendrik Gerritsz. Pot

(Dutch, c. 1585–1657)

Netherlands, 17th century

Oil on wood

Framed: 77 x 67 x 7 cm (30 5/16 x 26 3/8 x 2 3/4 in.); Unframed: 41.8 x 32 cm (16 7/16 x 12 5/8 in.)

Bequest of Dr. Paul J. Vignos, Jr. 2011.47

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

The wooden box on the floor would have held a dish of glowing coals: an early space heater!

Description

The unidentified sitter wears rich black fabric and a brown fur stole, a sheer white linen cap covers her head, an elaborate starched ruff rings her neck, her sleeves finish in punto in aria lace, and a prominent gold ring with a jewel appears on her right hand. The composition, weighted heavily to the right, implies a pendant portrait, yet to identified, probably depicting her husband.

Inscriptions

Inscription

A painted dark oval appears on the reverse of the panel with the words "Galerie de San Donato," in light red paint. Another inscription can be seen (especially with IR) underneath the logo: "ripristinato da, Mno Luperini, nel 1875" (restored by Mr. Luperini in 1875).

Provenance
Paul P. Demidoff, second Prince of San Donato, 1839-1885 (Florence, Italy); Jack Partridge (North Edgecomb, Maine), sold to Paul J. Vignos, Jr., 1959; Paul J. Vignos, Jr. (Gates Mills, Ohio), upon his death, held in trust by the estate; Estate of Paul J. Vignos, Jr.
Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2011.47