Hoofd van vrouw met hoofddoek, vooruit kijkend c. 1660

Moses ter Borch rendered this drawing of a woman with a headscarf in the 17th century. The headscarf, so simply draped, carries echoes through time. We see its ancient origins in depictions of mourning figures, their faces framed by grief. Consider the veiled figures in antiquity, symbols of piety and humility. The motif of the head covering persists into the Renaissance, subtly shifting to denote status, modesty, or even hidden knowledge. The headscarf has been charged with diverse meanings—a blank canvas upon which cultural anxieties and aspirations are projected. The woman’s forward gaze invites introspection. This isn't merely a portrait; it's an invitation to contemplate the enduring power of symbols and the emotional resonance they carry across generations.