Bernhard Strigel – Margarethe Vohlin, Wife of Hans Roth * National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The portrait presents a woman in three-quarter view against a complex backdrop. She is positioned centrally within the composition, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a measured and somewhat reserved expression. The lighting emphasizes her face and upper torso, creating a sense of immediacy while leaving the lower portion in relative shadow.
Her attire speaks to a position of considerable social standing. A dark, wide-brimmed hat dominates the head covering, its shape suggesting contemporary fashion. Beneath it, the hair is neatly arranged. The gown itself exhibits a layered construction: a white chemise peeks from beneath a richly decorated bodice featuring horizontal bands of contrasting colors – white, gold, and a darker hue. A substantial gold chain adorns her neck, further signifying wealth and status. Her left hand rests upon what appears to be a dark fabric sleeve, displaying a prominent ring on the finger. The details in the jewelry are rendered with meticulous precision, highlighting the artist’s skill in capturing texture and light.
Behind the figure, the background is divided into two distinct zones. To her left, a patterned textile forms a vibrant red backdrop, its intricate design adding visual complexity to the composition. This contrasts sharply with the landscape visible on her right side. Here we see a panoramic view of a distant settlement nestled beside a body of water. A solitary tree stands prominently in the foreground of this vista, drawing the eye towards the buildings and suggesting a connection between the individual and her environment. The atmospheric perspective employed in depicting the landscape creates depth and reinforces the sense that the woman is situated within a specific place.
The subtexts embedded within the portrait are numerous. The formality of the pose and attire suggests an official or commemorative purpose, likely intended to document her status for posterity. The inclusion of the landscape hints at familial ties to land ownership or local governance. The reserved expression on her face could be interpreted as conveying dignity, piety, or perhaps a degree of social constraint expected of women in that era. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed representation – a deliberate presentation of identity designed to convey wealth, status, and virtue within the context of its time.