Nicolas van Nevele

Provenance: private collection

After have been the painter of the French ambassador Paul de Foix in Rome from 1584 to 1588, Nicolas Van Nevele returned to Brussels and painted this tondo, the only painting signed by the painter, bearing the inscription “aetatis sua an XXXVIII Nicolas Van Nevele Bruxellensis fecit 1588”.

This portrait is presented against a dark background to enhance the young woman’s face and clothing. The painter delicately renders the porcelain tints of the face’s complexion, allowing its expression and timid feelings to show through. The lace on the headdress, painted with meticulous precision and rigour, is subtly revealed. This technique can be seen in the ruff this young lady is wearing around her neck; the style employed reveals this painter’s unquestionable talent.