Portret van een oudere vrouw als Sint-Apollonia c. 1650

Isaac van der Mye made this drawing of an older woman as Saint Apollonia with graphite on paper. The use of graphite, a relatively soft and readily available material, allowed van der Mye to create delicate and nuanced shading, capturing the texture of the woman's fur-lined coat and the soft folds of her headdress. The drawing's value lies in its directness and the intimacy it creates between the viewer and the subject. By focusing on the material qualities and the labor involved in the drawing's creation, we can appreciate van der Mye's skill in translating the physical world onto paper. He was able to imbue the portrait with a sense of character and presence. This drawing highlights the importance of recognizing the artistry and skill inherent in the process of drawing. Appreciating the drawing lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in understanding the labor, materials, and techniques that brought it into being.