Seated Woman, in Profile to the Left, Wearing a Little Cap and Holding a Glass in her Right Hand Possibly 1641 - 1804

Cornelis Bega rendered this drawing, “Seated Woman, in Profile to the Left, Wearing a Little Cap and Holding a Glass in her Right Hand”, using black chalk and white crayon around the mid-17th century. Bega, who specialized in genre scenes of peasant life, offers us a glimpse into the taverns and homes of working-class individuals. This woman, simply dressed and holding a glass, may seem like an ordinary subject, but Bega captures a sense of humanity and dignity in her posture. During the Dutch Golden Age, artists often depicted scenes of everyday life, but these images were not always neutral. They reflected societal attitudes towards class and gender. Bega's decision to focus on the individual, rather than stereotype, gives this work a quiet power. It prompts us to consider the lives and experiences of those often overlooked in history.