Buste van een oude vrouw met open mond 1694

This is Nicolaes van Haeften’s etching, "Bust of an Old Woman with Open Mouth," created around the late 17th century. During this time, the Dutch Golden Age was waning, yet there remained a fascination with portraiture. Haeften offers us a vision of aging that diverges from idealized beauty. Instead, we are confronted with an unvarnished depiction of mortality. The woman’s open mouth and furrowed brow suggest a moment of surprise, or perhaps discomfort, inviting us to consider the lived experience of aging, particularly for women in this era. The detailed lines etched into the plate capture every wrinkle and sag. This approach can be understood in the context of the burgeoning scientific revolution, where empirical observation was prized. But it also highlights a tension: is this an objective study, or does it perpetuate stereotypes about aging women? Ultimately, Haeften's print challenges us to confront our own biases about age and beauty. It asks us to look beyond the surface and consider the stories etched onto each face.