Taille van een vrouw, arm en handen 1603 - 1662

Anthony van Dyck created this drawing of a woman's arm and hands using black chalk. Van Dyck was a leading light in the artistic and social circles of 17th-century Europe, moving among the aristocratic elite. In this study, the artist captures the delicate form and gesture of a woman's hand, likely in preparation for a larger composition. During this era, depictions of women were highly stylized and often idealized, emphasizing their beauty and grace, but sometimes also their domestic roles. Van Dyck, while working within these conventions, frequently brought a naturalistic and emotional depth to his portraits. The level of detail in the hands contrasts sharply with the hazier rendering of the figure’s sleeve. Notice how the position of the fingers conveys a sense of restraint and composure. This artwork provides insight into the artistic process of a celebrated master and offers a glimpse into the lives of women in the high society of his time.