Hoofd van een vrouw, en profil naar links, met geopende mond 1722 - 1799

Jan Anton Garemyn created this red chalk drawing of a woman’s head in profile sometime in the 18th century. During this period, the representation of women in art was often confined to ideals of beauty or allegorical figures. Here, Garemyn captures a more intimate and perhaps vulnerable moment. The woman’s open mouth and slightly upward gaze suggest a moment of surprise, contemplation, or even speech. Her head covering, while typical of the time, also adds an element of modesty. How might the act of depicting a woman with such directness challenge the social norms of the time? In a society where women's voices were often silenced, Garemyn's drawing offers a glimpse into a woman’s inner world, inviting us to consider her perspective and perhaps even imagine her story. What do you think she might be saying?