Bust of a Woman looking right 1600 - 1700

This is an undated drawing, with graphite, of a woman, made by an anonymous artist. The anonymity surrounding the work invites us to consider the historical context that might have obscured the artist's identity. In the portrayal of the woman, we can see how beauty standards, gender roles, and the male gaze have shaped representation. The woman’s downward gaze and the vulnerable exposure of her upper body reflect a visual language that often positions women as objects of contemplation rather than subjects with their own agency. Consider how women were often excluded from the art historical canon, their contributions unrecognized or attributed to male counterparts. The delicate graphite lines capture a sense of fragility, almost as if the woman's presence is fleeting or unconfirmed. This piece offers an intimate, yet incomplete, glimpse into a life, while also reminding us of the countless untold stories in art history.