A Female Head
- Artist: Master of the Female Half-Lengths
- Date: about 1540
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Female Head" by Master of the Female Half-Lengths. Painted in the north, this portrait is a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance art from around 1540. You'll notice her hairstyle is distinctly Italianate, with plaits wound around the top of her head and entwined with a semi-transparent scarf.
She wears a semi-transparent ruched chemise and a blue overdress trimmed with brown fur. The green textile behind her has pale yellow patterns that likely represent threads of gold. It's thought she might be the Virgin Mary, bearing a striking resemblance to other depictions by this artist.
The Master of the Female Half-Lengths was known for his unique painting techniques. Take a close look at how he's achieved the semi-transparent fabric of her veil – it's a clever use of blotted paint layers. His brushstrokes are smooth and even, particularly evident in the flesh tones and chemise.
See it in person
A Female Head hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
