Three Studies of Women c. 1620s

Abraham Bloemaert rendered these three studies of women in sanguine, a drawing medium prized for its warmth and resemblance to human flesh. The motif of the averted gaze, seen in the upper figure, speaks volumes. It appears across millennia, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance portraits, often signifying modesty, contemplation, or even sorrow. Think of countless Madonnas, heads bowed in grief or reverence. This gesture taps into our collective understanding of human emotion, a visual language that transcends time. It is not merely an artistic convention, but an expression of inner life. It evokes a sense of vulnerability, inviting empathy, and reflecting our own moments of introspection. Bloemaert masterfully employs this, connecting us to a lineage of emotional expression that resonates deep within the human psyche. Thus, the symbolic weight of this simple act— averting the eyes—is a testament to the cyclical nature of art, echoing through history and resonating anew in each viewer's soul.