Portret van een onbekende oude vrouw, daaronder drie portretstudies 1890

This print, "Portret van een onbekende oude vrouw, daaronder drie portretstudies", was made in 1890 by Louise Danse, a Belgian artist working at a time when women artists were gaining more recognition, yet still faced significant barriers. The work depicts an unknown elderly woman. Danse's choice to portray an older woman, especially one whose identity remains anonymous, challenges the traditional focus on youth and beauty, particularly in the representation of women. The lines etched into the woman's face tell a story of lived experience, a narrative that art history often overlooks in favor of idealized forms. Moreover, the inclusion of three smaller portrait studies beneath the primary image suggests a process of observation and contemplation, highlighting the artist's engagement with her subject. The artwork invites us to consider the value and visibility of older women in society and in art. It serves as a poignant reminder of the stories etched in the margins, urging us to look closer at the faces and lives that might otherwise go unnoticed.