Study of the Head of a Young Woman in White

The sketch-like character and dimmed colours send a clear message that the head of the young woman served as a study for a bigger composition that remains unknown. Her face, hairstyle and accessories show close analogies with Floris’ mythological goddesses or allegorical figures. It is beyond doubt that it is a virtuosic painting by Frans Floris. The Prague specimen most likely served as a study for The Allegory of Spring, a painting which has not survived yet is known from literary sources.