Portret van een onbekende vrouw, bekend als mevrouw Muse 1755

This is an engraving made in 1728 by John Faber II, portraying an unknown woman, known as Mrs. Muse. The artwork is defined by its tonal gradations, achieved through fine, deliberate lines. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to give form to the figure, creating depth and volume. Observe how the contrasting textures of the fabrics—the ruffles, the satin, the woven hat—are rendered with precision, each texture defined by unique patterns of lines and shading. The composition is structured around the sitter's profile. The gaze is directed off to the side, lending the portrait a sense of movement and thoughtfulness. The figure is framed within a shallow pictorial space, defined by a neutral background that concentrates attention on the sitter's presence. This formal emphasis is not merely aesthetic; it reflects the era's interest in representation and the construction of identity through portraiture. By focusing on the material qualities of the image, we can understand how Faber's work participates in the broader discourse of appearance, status, and the very act of seeing.