Portrait of a Woman, possibly Elizabeth Boothby1619 · Study 1973.185

Context from the museum

Research suggests that this portrait may depict Elizabeth Boothby (1590–1658), daughter of a prominent London merchant. The jewels in her hair, the silver thread and expensive lace adorning her silk gown, and even the faux marble oval surrounding her image are all signs of wealth and status. Although painted in England, this portrait reflects the traditions of Dutch portraiture, evidence of the fluid artistic exchange that existed between the two countries. Jonson was born in London, received his artistic training in Amsterdam, and spent the last 20 years of his career in the Dutch Republic.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

For this prominent merchant's daughter, sparkling jewels and expensive lace were proud evidence of wealth.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Portrait of a Woman, possibly Elizabeth Boothby is 56 cm wide and 65.7 cm high, equivalent to approximately 22.0 × 25.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.85:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.37 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 18.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 122.0 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Portrait of a Woman, possibly Elizabeth Boothby in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on wood, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 56 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?