Woman at her Toilet c. 1690 - 1715

Nicolaas Verkolje created this mezzotint, “Woman at her Toilet,” in the late 17th or early 18th century, a period defined by rigid social hierarchies and evolving concepts of femininity. Here, we witness a scene of intimate preparation. A woman, presumably of some means, sits at her dressing table, attended by two figures: a wig-bearing gentleman and an older woman who holds a mirror. The candlelight softens the edges, yet the composition subtly hints at the power dynamics at play. The woman’s gaze is directed toward her own reflection, but it is mediated by the watchful eyes of her attendants. The act of beautification becomes a stage upon which societal expectations and personal identity meet. How much agency does this woman truly have in shaping her own image, when her appearance is so closely scrutinized and carefully constructed by others? What alternative narratives might be constructed to express female identity? As you consider this artwork, consider the layers of identity and expectation it reveals. It's a quiet, personal moment rendered public, inviting us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of selfhood.