Lady Seen from Behind 

Pieter Jansz. Quast sketched this lady from behind in graphite. Note the elaborate drapery and the woman’s hidden face. The motif of a figure seen from the back is a powerful one that appears across art history, signaling contemplation, mystery, and the limits of perception. Think of Caspar David Friedrich’s Rückenfigur, a figure seen from behind, often gazing at nature. This motif is often understood as an invitation for the viewer to identify with the figure, sharing a moment of reflection, and thus gaining insight. This invites a psychoanalytic interpretation, where what is unseen or repressed holds significant emotional weight. The averted gaze becomes a mirror, reflecting our own subconscious desires, fears, and unresolved conflicts. Thus, Pieter Jansz. Quast presents a complex and intriguing image. Though appearing simple, it opens a gateway to our own internal world.