An Old Woman with a Fur Cap c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Cornelis Bega's miniature etching, "An Old Woman with a Fur Cap." It's incredibly small, almost jewel-like, and the detail is astonishing. What strikes you most about this tiny portrait? Curator: It feels like a stolen moment, doesn’t it? Bega captures not just likeness, but a whole world of experience etched on that face. The fur cap itself is so textural, contrasting with the delicate lines defining her age. She seems to be looking off at something, perhaps a memory? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but yes, there is a reflective mood. It's amazing how such a small piece can evoke so much! Curator: Exactly! It's a testament to Bega's skill, isn't it? To pack a lifetime into such a tiny frame. I'm wondering what she might be thinking about.