Profile Bust of Woman n.d.

Valerio Castello created this drawing, "Profile Bust of Woman," using red and black chalk on paper sometime in the mid-17th century. Castello was working in Genoa at a time when the Baroque style was ascendant, yet this intimate portrait moves away from the theatricality often associated with that era. The woman depicted averts her gaze, creating a sense of modesty but also hinting at the limited roles afforded to women in 17th-century society. Though Castello was a sought-after painter, this drawing provides us with a glimpse into the artist's more private explorations. There's a tenderness here that transcends the conventions of portraiture. It invites us to consider the quiet moments of contemplation and the subtle expressions of identity that are often overlooked in grand narratives. It's a reminder that even within historical constraints, there's room for individual emotion and experience.