Portrait of Anna Goch with a Ruff, a Hat Veil, a Red Carnation and a Book

1647. Oil on canvas. 84 х 66 cm.
German painting.

Left-hand bottom corner, a mark of a firm and an inscription in Old German:
“Anna Goch (?) born 17 January 1609, painted in 1647”

 

 

The red carnation symbolises deep feelings of love and affection. According to Christian tradition, the carnation blooms for the first time on earth where the tears of the Virgin Mary fall when Jesus Christ carries the cross to the Calvary. 

The book under the left hand would most probably be the Bible. The expression on the face, the symbolism of the objects, and the stormy sky in the background suggest the loss of love.