Portrait of a Woman with a Pomander  1568

The sober attire worn in the Netherlands in the mid 16th century did not preclude elegance or richness. This woman's affluence is seen in her embroidered cap, pearl necklace, and the gold chain from which hangs a pierced metal container, or pomander. Pomanders held sweet-smelling herbs to combat the foul smells generated by limited personal hygiene and public sanitation. A...