Smiling Girl, a Courtesan, Holding an Obscene Image, Gerrit van Honthorst (1625)
At first glance, this image appears to be a simple picture of a smiling young woman. It is in fact a prostitute’s portrait. Such paintings advertised a young woman’s availability. Here, she holds a medallion inscribed, “Who can tell my backside from behind,” which confirms the erotic nature of this image. The brilliant highlights and careful shading of her skin and clothing contrast with the dark background to create lifelike three-dimensionality. Gerrit van Honthorst developed these popular stylistic elements in Rome in the early 17th century. He used them effectively to enhance the woman’s physical presence.
