Kop van een oude vrouw 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare created this etching, “Head of an Old Woman,” in the late 18th century. During this period, Dutch art often focused on genre scenes and portraiture, reflecting the values and social structures of the time. The image presents a close-up of an elderly woman, her head covered with a simple cap. De Mare’s choice to depict an older woman, whose face bears the marks of aging, challenges the conventional beauty standards often prioritized in portraiture. The detailed lines etched into the plate capture her weathered skin, suggesting a life marked by hardship. This work invites us to reflect on the representation of age and gender in art, and on the stories of those whose experiences are often marginalized. By focusing on the individual humanity of his subject, De Mare prompts a reconsideration of the value and dignity inherent in every life, regardless of age or social status.