Rijksmuseum

Helena van der Schalcke

Date

c. 1648

Medium

panel, oil paint (paint)

Institution

Rijksmuseum

Helena van der Schalck, a merchant's daughter was no more than three years old when she was portrayed here. Her silk dress adorned with bows and her straw purse resemble adult attire. However, just visible on her back is a bit of her walking reins, used to keep children safe. The red carnation in her hand symbolizes hope for eternal life. Sadly, Helena died at the age of 24.

The authoritative record is held by Rijksmuseum. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.