Sitzende Frau im verlorenen Profil nach links 

Adriaen van de Velde created this drawing of a seated woman in lost profile in the mid-17th century, a time of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands. The woman's averted gaze and modest attire invite contemplation about the roles and representations of women in Dutch society. During this era, women's identities were often defined by their domestic roles and moral virtues. Van de Velde’s rendering captures a sense of quiet introspection, offering a glimpse into the inner lives of women whose stories are often absent from official histories. The intimate scale and delicate lines of the drawing encourage a personal connection with the subject. Van de Velde does not embellish the figure with any markers of wealth or status; instead, he focuses on her posture and expression. This egalitarian approach reflects the changing social dynamics of the Dutch Golden Age, where the rise of a prosperous middle class led to new forms of artistic patronage and representation. Ultimately, the artwork challenges us to consider the experiences of those whose voices were historically marginalized.