Sophia Elisabet Weber (1659-1730), married to Elias Brenner Georg Engelhard Schröder (1684-1750)

The portrait presents a woman in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a measured composure. The composition is structured around a central axis defined by her face and upper torso, while the background fades into a dark, indistinct brown hue that serves to isolate and emphasize the figure.
Here we see an elaborate hairstyle, meticulously arranged in soft curls and cascading waves, suggesting a degree of social standing and attention to personal presentation. The color is muted, a greyish-brown tone that blends with the surrounding darkness, yet catches subtle highlights indicating careful rendering. Her facial features are rendered with a focus on realism; the skin exhibits a slight flush, and the eyes possess a quiet intelligence.
The woman’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. A rich, ochre-colored coat drapes over her shoulders, its texture suggested through brushstrokes that capture the sheen of fabric. The coat is lined with a vibrant red silk, which provides a striking contrast against the muted tones of the coat and background. Beneath the coat, a white linen chemise is visible, laced tightly at the bodice, hinting at an underlying structure and perhaps alluding to modesty within the context of societal expectations.
The artist’s use of light is noteworthy; it illuminates the womans face and upper body, drawing attention to her features while leaving the background in shadow. This creates a sense of depth and volume, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figure. The subtle play of light on the fabrics suggests an awareness of material qualities and a desire to convey texture through paint.
Subtly, the portrait conveys a sense of quiet authority and self-possession. Her direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, while her composed demeanor implies dignity and perhaps even resilience. The elaborate clothing and hairstyle signal wealth and social status, but the overall impression is not one of ostentation; rather, it suggests a woman who embodies both refinement and inner strength. The restrained color palette and muted lighting contribute to an atmosphere of understated elegance, indicative of a particular era’s aesthetic preferences for portraying individuals of prominence.