Vrouw, gekleed volgens de mode omstreeks 1620, met gesloten waaier in de hand c. 1620

Curator: This ink drawing on paper by Salomon Savery, dating from around 1620, is currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. It's entitled "Woman, Dressed According to the Fashion Around 1620, with a Closed Fan in Hand." Editor: The high-necked ruff and massive sleeves definitely place her squarely in that era, though, initially, there is something a little melancholic in her gaze, isn't there? It gives the portrait a contemplative quality. Curator: It is fascinating how artists depict social standing, and here, we see the elaborate garments not just as attire but as signifiers of status. Savery created this portrait, showcasing what was considered fashionable during that specific period in the Netherlands. Editor: It also subtly tells us about power structures, who dictates the trends, who has the means to participate in those trends, what were considered the visual representations of that period. We're getting more than just an individual's likeness; this is about identity as displayed to society. Curator: Absolutely. Consider also the influence of the Baroque period, with its ornate detailing and emphasis on realism. Savery wasn't simply drawing a woman, he was participating in a visual culture, showcasing the Dutch Golden Age's prosperity. Genre paintings such as these offer us insights into what the every day would have looked like for citizens living in the Netherlands during this period. Editor: Yes, and if we consider Savery as someone capturing or, better yet, performing those ideals and customs, we have to ask how representative of a citizen she would be. Her slightly aloof bearing adds to the narrative, creating a discourse on female roles. Her posture speaks volumes about societal expectations and constructed appearances. What could her closed fan symbolize, a hidden emotion? Is this why she gazes directly, without fear? Curator: It makes you reflect on how seemingly straightforward depictions contain such depth when examined critically. It reminds me of how the smallest of artistic decisions can convey so much about the society in which the artwork was produced and subsequently, is consumed. Editor: Exactly, it's these layers of historical and social context that transform our understanding from simply viewing an old drawing, into a rich investigation of culture.