Two Studies: Female Head in Three-Quarter Profile; Female Bust Seen from the Back c. 1647

Stefano della Bella created this drawing of two studies of a female head with pen and red ink sometime in the 17th century. During this period, artists often depicted women in conventional roles or idealized forms, reflecting the patriarchal structures of the time. Here, della Bella offers us a glimpse beyond such conventional representation. The female figure is captured in intimate studies, one in profile and the other from behind, her gaze averted. This composition shifts our focus from the face as the primary source of identity, to the nape of the neck, to the delicate rendering of her curly hair. The turn away from the viewer becomes an assertion of privacy. This quiet, intimate depiction offers an alternative to the dominant narratives of women in art. The drawing invites us to reflect on the untold stories and inner lives of the women, who often remained unseen in historical records.