Portret van de moeder van Gabriël Metsu, schilderend 1753

This drawing by Julius Henricus Quinkhard depicts the mother of the Dutch Golden Age painter Gabriël Metsu. It shows her holding a paintbrush and palette, sitting in front of an easel, presumably engaged in the act of painting. The drawing prompts us to consider the social conditions that shape artistic production in 18th century Netherlands. Women artists were often excluded from formal training and professional opportunities. Perhaps Metsu's mother played a role in his early artistic development, providing him with informal instruction and encouragement. The drawing subtly challenges the prevailing gender norms of the time by suggesting that women could also be artists, even if they were not always recognized as such by the established art institutions. To understand the full significance of this drawing, it is vital to consult historical records, biographies, and other primary sources. It allows us to reconstruct the social and cultural context in which it was made. By examining the drawing through a socio-historical lens, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its meaning and significance.