Portrait of a Woman

Bruyn helped portraiture achieve a breakthrough in Cologne. Although the city remained Catholic, the portrait became the most important brief for a painting in the first half of the sixteenth century. With tasteful but expensive clothing, the unknown couple emphasized it belonged to the upper class of the bourgeoisie. The calm poses and relaxed facial expressions of both sitters express dignity. The carnation in the woman’s hand is a symbol of marital affection.