Ornament met vrouwengezicht 1720

This Ornament with a Woman's Face was etched around 1720 by Bernard Picart. Born in France, Picart was the son of engraver Étienne Picart, and his work reflects the cultural and social norms of 18th-century Europe. During this period, the depiction of women in art was often symbolic, representing ideals of beauty, virtue, or allegory. This image presents a female figure integrated into a decorative element, a reflection of women's role in society as both ornamental and integral. The gaze is both ethereal and commanding, and framed by elaborate flourishes that speaks to the period's love of ornamentation and the Baroque style. The image encourages us to reflect on the cultural narratives that surround women's identities, both then and now.