Seated Woman, Reading a Book c. 1650 - 1660

This drawing, ‘Seated Woman, Reading a Book,’ was made by Constantijn Verhout, likely with graphite pencil on paper. Pencil on paper is a humble medium, but capable of great subtlety. Verhout coaxes a remarkable range of tones, suggesting the weight and texture of the woman’s garments. Notice how the softness of the fur trim around her shoulders contrasts with the simple, almost geometric stool she sits on. The way the graphite is applied – densely hatched in the shadows, lightly sketched elsewhere – gives a real sense of form and volume. Consider the social context. While we can't be sure of the sitter's place in society, the very act of reading suggests a degree of literacy and leisure, and the fur trim around her shoulders, hints at a certain level of economic comfort. Verhout's skill in capturing these details elevates the everyday, reminding us that craft and close observation can reveal the richness in ordinary lives.