Bust of a Young Country Woman c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Cornelis Bega’s "Bust of a Young Country Woman," an undated etching. There is something very intimate about this small plate. What do you make of the woman's expression? Curator: Well, it's Bega's casual mastery of line that really grabs me. There’s such an ease to how he captures her gaze, a sort of pensive inwardness. Don't you think she seems like she's on the cusp of a thought? Editor: She does. It's funny how much emotion is captured in such a tiny space. Curator: Exactly! It’s like a fleeting moment perfectly preserved. That’s the magic of Bega. Editor: I never thought I could feel so much from something so small. Curator: Art's like that, isn't it? Full of surprises!