Sitzende alte Frau, die Handschuhe auf den Knien, den Fächer in der Hand 

This portrait of a seated old woman, holding gloves and a fan, was created by Jan Gerard Waldorp sometime after 1740, using graphite or black chalk. The artist has built up areas of tone with layered strokes, creating an image that is subtle, yet highly descriptive. The work is a testament to the artist's skill, in carefully observing and translating the fall of light on the sitter's clothing and skin. The fan and gloves suggest that this is a woman of some means. It's interesting to consider the labor that would have gone into producing these items, particularly the gloves, which would have been meticulously stitched by hand. Waldorp has captured a sense of dignity, but also perhaps a hint of weariness in his sitter's face. Ultimately, a drawing like this reminds us that every object, every image, is the result of material and human effort.