Five Women Talking 16th-17th century

Editor: Here we have "Five Women Talking", an anonymous drawing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, and something about the clothing gives it an almost theatrical feel. What strikes you about it? Curator: The attire definitely places it within a specific social context. The ruffs and hats suggest a certain level of affluence and adherence to social norms of a particular era, possibly the 17th century. Editor: So, are these women performing a specific social role, or are we just seeing everyday life? Curator: It's hard to say definitively without more context. Is the artist subtly commenting on the roles women played in public life? Or simply documenting a scene? More research would be needed. Editor: It makes you wonder about their stories. Thanks for sharing your expertise! Curator: It was my pleasure. Art always offers a glimpse into a particular place and time.