Portret van een vrouw 1710 - 1772

Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot rendered this portrait of a woman in graphite, achieving a delicate balance through its intricate lines and textures. The composition centres on the woman’s face, framed by an elaborate hairstyle adorned with flowers. The graphic marks form complex tonal shifts, conveying the soft textures of the woman's hair and the subtle nuances of her expression. The composition, with its emphasis on verticality and delicate embellishments, reflects the stylistic preferences of its era. What's intriguing is how Reysschoot destabilizes the conventional portrait. There is a dream-like quality which engages with broader ideas about representation and identity. Look at the graphic marks. They underscore the portrait's constructed nature, highlighting the complex interplay of lines. Consider how the portrait invites us to engage with questions of form and representation, prompting an ongoing re-evaluation of artistic and cultural values.