Borstbeeld van een jonge vrouw 1625 - 1632

Jan Lievens created this etching of a young woman’s bust, printed on paper, likely in the Netherlands during the early to mid-17th century. The image offers a glimpse into the cultural norms and social hierarchies of the Dutch Golden Age. Consider the woman’s modest attire and hairstyle; such details reflect the values of the time, where outward appearances signaled social status and moral virtue. How does this image conform to, or perhaps subtly challenge, the expectations placed upon women in Dutch society? The work’s existence within the Rijksmuseum speaks to the institutional forces that determine which artworks are preserved and celebrated as part of a nation’s cultural heritage. To truly understand this work, a social historian might delve into Dutch fashion trends, conduct archival research into the artist’s patronage networks, and examine period texts on gender and social conduct. What can this portrait tell us about the relationship between art, identity, and society in the Dutch Golden Age?