Hoofd van een vrouw met een zwart kapje op, naar links c. 1660

Moses ter Borch created this drawing of a woman's head, with black chalk on paper, in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a leading force in Europe for trade, science, and the arts, a climate in which portraiture flourished. The image speaks to the cultural norms of the time, where women were often depicted as demure and reserved, as seen in the woman's lowered gaze. Her simple attire and covered hair also hints at her religious affiliation, perhaps signaling modesty, a highly regarded virtue. To better understand this drawing, we can look to sources like period etiquette manuals and religious tracts, which shed light on the expected roles and representations of women in Dutch society. Examining probate records might tell us about the sitters social class. These resources provide essential context for understanding the role art played in reflecting, and sometimes challenging, the values of its time.