Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling
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See it in a room
Story
A woman is shown in profile, her head wrapped in a white linen hood, her body dressed in black against a plain blue backdrop. She cradles a small tree squirrel in her hands, while a starling perches near her, giving the composition its quiet sense of companionship. The piece dates to 1526 and is painted in oil on panel, now kept at the National Gallery. Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543) worked within the Northern Renaissance tradition and also created The Ambassadors. The most striking detail is the contrast between the stiff formality of her hood and dress and the softness of the squirrel she holds so close, with the small starling adding an unexpected touch of life beside her still, composed figure.
Where it works
A cool-toned portrait suited to living rooms and dining rooms, and to hotel guest rooms, in a vertical format.