Portrait of Catharina Behaghel — History & Facts
In Portrait of Catharina Behaghel, the viewer is greeted by a striking depiction of a woman adorned in a lavish dress. The colors are rich and vibrant, with deep reds and golds dominating the palette. The background is dark, which serves to highlight the figure in the foreground.
The woman's expression is serene, yet confident, drawing the viewer's attention. This painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium during the Baroque period. The artist employs a technique that emphasizes texture and detail, particularly in the fabric of the dress and the woman's skin. The dimensions are approximately 100 x 80 cm, making it a substantial work that commands presence.
The use of light and shadow is masterfully done, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figure. Jacob Jordaens was a prominent Flemish painter of the Baroque period, known for his vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. Portrait of Catharina Behaghel is one of his notable works, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. An interesting fact about this painting is that it reflects the social status of the sitter, as the elaborate dress signifies wealth and importance in 17th-century society.
Jordaens often painted portraits of the affluent, making this work a significant representation of his focus on the upper class.
More Artworks by Jacob Jordaens

The Temptation of the Magdalene
Jacob Jordaens

The Daughters of Cecrops Finding the Child Erichthonius
Jacob Jordaens

The Entombment
Jacob Jordaens

Moses Striking Water from the Rock
Jacob Jordaens

Portrait of Rogier Le Witer
Jacob Jordaens

Portrait of the artist
Jacob Jordaens

King Candaules of Lydia Showing his Wife to Gyges
Jacob Jordaens

A Bearded Man And a Woman With a Parrot; ‘unrequited Love’
Jacob Jordaens

An academy of a male nude seated
Jacob Jordaens

Christ Healing the Paralytic
Jacob Jordaens






