Bust of An Old Woman c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jan Gerritsz van Bronchorst’s "Bust of An Old Woman," a small etching. It's so detailed; I'm struck by the artist's close observation of her face. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, it's a poignant exploration of aging, rendered with incredible sensitivity. The lines etched into her face are not signs of decay, but a map of her life, her experiences. What stories do you imagine etched there? Editor: That’s beautiful, a map of her life. It makes me wonder about her story. Curator: Exactly! It reminds us that art can be a powerful tool for empathy, inviting us to connect with people across time. I feel a new appreciation for etchings. Editor: Me too! There's so much depth in such a small space.