Slight study of a woman's head after 1634

This small etching, whose creator is unknown, presents a ‘slight study of a woman’s head’ using a technique that flourished in the 17th century. With its delicate lines and subtle shading, the print captures the sitter's composed expression, while the anonymity of both artist and subject invites contemplation on identity and representation. During this era, women's identities were frequently shaped by societal expectations. Their images, often idealized or symbolic, circulated widely. But who was this woman? And what do we make of this intimate portrait? Consider how the artist, by focusing on her face, invites us to look beyond the surface and ponder the individual. This small print becomes a poignant reminder of the countless untold stories that lie beneath the surface of history.