Sir Anthony van Dyck – Catherine Howard, Lady d’Aubigny National Gallery of Art (Washington)

Here we observe a three-quarter portrait of a woman set against a dark, almost featureless background. The subject is positioned slightly left of center and gazes directly at the viewer with a composed expression. Her posture suggests a restrained elegance; she holds a posy of flowers in her right hand, the gesture deliberate and graceful.
The artist has rendered the sitter’s complexion with meticulous attention to detail, capturing subtle nuances of light and shadow that suggest a soft, almost luminous quality. The skin tone is pale, contrasted by the rich color of her gown. This garment, predominantly rose-pink in hue, drapes loosely over her form, hinting at a generous figure without being overtly revealing. A delicate lace collar adorns her neck, complemented by a string of pearls that cascade down her chest – indicators of wealth and status.
Her hair is styled in loose curls, partially adorned with flowers, which echo the floral arrangement she holds. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed beauty, emphasizing both physical attributes and social standing. The dark background serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention to her presence and reinforcing a sense of formality.
The inclusion of the posy warrants consideration. Flowers in portraiture often carry symbolic weight; here, their specific meaning remains open to interpretation but likely alludes to themes of courtship, virtue, or fleeting beauty. The inscription Lady d’Aubigny at the bottom provides a crucial contextual element, confirming her identity and anchoring the work within a specific social milieu.
The painting conveys an impression of quiet dignity and restrained power. It is not merely a representation of physical appearance but also a statement about lineage, wealth, and societal position – a visual declaration of belonging to a privileged class during a period when portraiture served as a vital tool for self-representation and the perpetuation of family legacy.