Six Studies of an Old Woman's Head c. 1625 - 1630

Curator: Jacques de Gheyn III created this study sheet, titled "Six Studies of an Old Woman's Head." The work is currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's undeniably haunting. The stark lines create a sense of vulnerability, almost as if we're intruding on a private moment of reflection, or perhaps, resignation. Curator: De Gheyn was working within a tradition of studying physiognomy. Artists explored the idea that outward appearances reflected inner character. Editor: But whose character are we really seeing? Is it hers, or the artist's projection onto her aging body? There's a real power dynamic at play here. The gaze feels decidedly male, perhaps even clinical. Curator: It is worth noting that such studies were instrumental for artists, offering insights into human anatomy and expression. They served as vital references for larger compositions. Editor: Absolutely. And that's where it gets complicated. This image becomes part of a visual language that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes about aging women, reducing them to symbols of decay rather than complex individuals. What narratives are being built on her image? Curator: These images invite us to consider the relationship between artistic skill, social observation, and maybe even societal biases. Editor: Yes, precisely. Art provides a lens, but it’s our responsibility to consider what that lens is showing us, and what it might be obscuring.