Vrouwenhoofd met krullend haar, driekwart naar rechts en voorovergebogen 1705 - 1754

Jacob de Wit rendered this study of a woman’s head in the 18th century using pen in gray ink and brush in gray and brown ink. During this time, the Dutch art world was dominated by the influence of French Classicism, which privileged idealized forms and grand narratives, often commissioned by wealthy patrons and institutions. De Wit’s drawing, however, offers a glimpse into the artist's working process. It's a study, likely for a larger painting, focusing on the expression and form of the figure. The slight tilt of the head and the soft rendering suggest a moment of introspection. To understand this work better, archival records of De Wit's commissions, as well as studies of the artistic training and studio practices of the time, would be invaluable. By delving into these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of how artists navigated the social and institutional landscape of their time.