Seated Woman c. 17th century

Curator: This drawing, "Seated Woman," is attributed to Gabriel Metsu. Editor: The chiaroscuro creates a real sense of weight and volume, doesn’t it? A somber mood. Curator: Indeed. Consider the probable sitter, likely a working-class woman, depicted not through the male gaze, but with what appears to be genuine respect. Editor: The composition, however, is fairly conventional. A simple chair, a single light source—but notice how the artist’s touch animates the fabrics. Curator: And the fabrics signify her place, her role. Metsu seems interested in representing the quotidian realities of working women. Editor: Ultimately, it is the artist's mastery of shadow and light that stays with me. Curator: I agree. The drawing invites us to reflect on representation and the socio-economic context in which it was created.