Portrait of a Venetian Woman

Portrait of a Young Venetian Woman is a small bust-length oil on elm panel painting by the German artist Albrecht Dürer from 1505.

The work's harmony and grace are achieved through its mixtures of tones, from her pale, elegant skin and reddish blond hair to her black-and-pearl necklace and highly fashionable patterned dress, all of which are highlighted against a flat black background.

[2] It is similar in pose and colour tone to his c. 1507 A German Woman from Venice, while at least two studies of Venetian women are known, both of which are very daring.

The Franconian artist's influence can be seen in this work's soft modeling, dramatic lighting and vivid colours and tones.

[4] The portrait is unfinished; a number of elements, noticeably the black bow above her chest, are not as well described as in other passages.