Vrouwenkopje 1655

This delicate drawing, Vrouwenkopje, was made in 1653 by Matthys van den Bergh. He used pen and brown ink to bring the female face to life on paper. The drawing’s quality rests on the artist's confident handling of line. Look closely, and you’ll see the subtle variations in pressure and speed as he moved his pen. The hatching creates a sense of depth and volume, defining the contours of the face and the folds of the hair. Van den Bergh was part of a culture of highly skilled draughtsmen at this time. Drawings were not only preparatory studies for larger works, but also valuable objects in their own right. Consider the time and labor invested in acquiring such mastery. This wasn't just a hobby, but a profession, reliant on apprenticeship and continuous practice. The art market of the 17th century supported such specialized skills, creating a demand for works like this that continues to this day.